The Local

The lady of the manor on ‘Gardening Australia’

22-12-2024

Helen Hayes has always been a keen gardener but a busy corporate career kept her from creating something on the scale befitting her imagination.

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Win for The Local

21-12-2024

For the second year in a row, The Local Publishing Group has been awarded Best Regional Home & Country Lifestyle Media Publishing Group in APAC Insider’s ninth annual Australian Enterprise Awards.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

21-12-2024

Glenlyon’s Claire Clifton is a great example of how being told you’re no good at something may just lead you to become very good at it indeed.

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Festive season events: bring your Christmas spirit…

20-12-2024

The Hepburn Springs Sound Shell sets the scene for community carols this Sunday evening from 7pm.

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Dharma on a quest to gain digital wisdom

20-12-2024

While Australia grapples to keep kids safe online, Daylesford’s Dharma School is embarking on a bold new project that uses a mindfulness approach to tackling the problem.

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A little Christmas bow never went astray…

19-12-2024

It may not be boughs of holly but Daylesford resident Jenny Paradisi, with the help of friends Wendy Berry and Heidi Hauck, has decorated the main streets of Daylesford with colourful hessian bows.

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The cost to repair a vandalised rainbow

19-12-2024

The cost to clean, repair and repaint the Big Rainbow is $1500. The cost of adding sparkle will not be known until the contractor is available in the New Year.

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Daylesford childcare centre going green

18-12-2024

The Daylesford Community Childcare Centre is turning empty containers into fresh opportunities with their latest initiative to raise funds for Joe’s Kitchen Garden, an inspiring project aimed at teaching children the invaluable skills of growing and cooking their own vegetables.

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Objector number a focus in planning decision: 18 month trial to start

18-12-2024

Some changes to the way in which planning applications are dealt with in Hepburn Shire will be trialed for 18 months following a decision by the Hepburn Shire Council late yesterday.

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Fire headed towards Springmount

17-12-2024

The Melbourne Road bushfire is not yet under control and is travelling north-easterly towards Sawmill Road at Springmount.

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Council condemns antisocial behaviour

16-12-2024

Recent acts of antisocial behaviour around the the Hepburn Shire are deeply concerning, the Hepburn Shire Council says, following the recent vandalism of Daylesford's Big Rainbow.

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New Year’s Eve parade and gala planned for Daylesford

15-12-2024

Organisers of this year’s Daylesford NYE parade and gala are urging local groups and businesses to register a float for the parade.

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Pool season makes a splash

12-12-2024

You know things are warming up and Christmas is almost here when the public pool season starts.

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Just sayin’…

10-12-2024

I enjoy travel as much as imparting a cautionary tale. So you can't imagine my joy at our latest travel adventure. Hmmm.

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Kyle’s Rant…

10-12-2024

We flew into LA a few weeks ago and my first thought was tipping the staff. This is a costly consideration considering the exchange rate and the 20 per cent of the bill expected.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

10-12-2024

This is one of my fav Clunes walks. It’s a slight adaptation of a loop walk that appears in a newly released brochure detailing several choice walks and saunters in and around the Clunes township. More on that later.

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There’s gold in them thar hills…

09-12-2024

Over the past decade there has been an average of 8000 Miner's Right licences sold in Victoria each year.

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Donna’s travel memories

08-12-2024

"Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." - Ibn Battuta This is very true of our recent trip to America and Central America. There were many moments where we were speechless but we now have many tales to tell...

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A helping hand for Balinese mums & bubs

08-12-2024

News of whether the Bali Nine drug smugglers would be brought home to Australia seized the headlines. Here in Daylesford, however, a harsh side to Bali was revealed to Daylesford Rotarians.

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Kyle’s travel memories

08-12-2024

It is day 13 of a 17-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel, a cruise liner on the Pacific side of Central America with around 2000 guests and 1000 crew, a cruise by most standards considered long.

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Grants for wildlife carers

07-12-2024

The state government says it is boosting funding for Victoria’s wildlife rescue volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

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Five years on and still no Wombat bill

07-12-2024

Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne says the community is angered by the failure of the State Government to introduce the bill to create the new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park as promised.

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Plan ahead this fire season CFA warns

07-12-2024

As we come into summer and what we know will be a challenging fire season, the CFA is urging all Victorians to have a fire plan and know where to get emergency information from.

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Your say…

06-12-2024

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the articles about Richard 'Tommy' Campion and Richard Herr, aka Ritchie Rich, that you recently published in the November 18 edition.

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Your say…

06-12-2024

I picked up a copy of The Local yesterday and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your column (Kyle's Rant) and the paper in general.

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Local artists work featured in ‘Unfathomable’ exhibition

06-12-2024

Ceramics by Musk Vale's Minna Graham and Clunes's Chandra Paul are part of a new group exhibition featuring new work by five Central Victorian artists.

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Plenty of heavy lifting for this gathering

05-12-2024

Mel Gibson is “to blame” for inciting a teenage Langley Rowbottom to play the bagpipes.

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AIDS Memorial Tree plaque unveiled

04-12-2024

I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree. So wrote the poet (Alfred) Joyce Kilmer. Last Thursday, just a few days out from international World AIDS Day, a special tree beside Lake Daylesford - an autumn blaze acer to be exact - came in for a bit of extra media attention.

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Djuwang Baring 60km mountain bike trail network officially opened

04-12-2024

Hepburn Shire Council has officially opened the 60-kilometre mountain bike trail network, Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) with a special event at the Hammon Park trailhead in Creswick held on Saturday.

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A magical Christmas movie night in Daylesford

03-12-2024

Daylesford's dedicated local cinema group is holding a fundraising Christmas movie event at the Stanbridge Hall on Daylesford's Central Springs Road this Friday evening December 6.

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First responders honoured a year on from Daylesford tragedy

01-12-2024

First responders to last November's devastating Daylesford crash have been honoured one year after the horrific accident that claimed five lives.

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Renowned artist Criss Canning in conversation at Clunes Booktown on Sunday session

30-11-2024

Coming up Sunday December 8, Clunes' Booktown on Sunday series is set to feature the acclaimed still-life artist Criss Canning OAM in conversation with Clunes' creative Rebecca Russell.

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Big line-up announced for CresFest ’25

30-11-2024

Artists for next April's CresFest have been announced with a huge diversity of music and acts in store for the award winning folk and roots festival.

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Extreme weather ahead: drones hone in on fire hazards

30-11-2024

Local households and businesses are being urged to prepare for possible power outages in extreme conditions this summer with the Bureau of Meteorology anticipating “warmer than average days and nights” ahead.

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Fire restriction season has arrived for Hepburn Shire, Macedon Ranges

29-11-2024

The Fire Danger Period officially started in both the Hepburn Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire areas this Monday.

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Mayor and deputy mayor elected for Macedon Ranges

29-11-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has elected its new mayor and deputy mayor.

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Hepburn mayor and deputy mayor elected

27-11-2024

Hepburn Shire's Councillor Don Henderson has been elected mayor with Councillor Lesley Hewitt elected as deputy mayor for the first year of the new four-year council term.

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Mountain bike trail official opening this Saturday…

26-11-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council is inviting everyone to get along to this Saturday's official opening of Djuwang Baring, the new 60-kilometre Djuwang Baring mountain bike trail network.

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Kyle’s Rant

25-11-2024

We picked up the ship in Los Angeles on November 7 for a 17-night voyage, down the west coast of south America through the Panama Canal and eventually onto Florida - where there is a bit of concern about a hurricane visiting the port at the same time we dock.

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Just sayin’…

25-11-2024

I am sitting in an information centre in Puerto Rico - trying to finish The Local - after finding the promised high speed internet on our cruise is not so high speed.

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Council scoops $92,949 circular economy grant

24-11-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has received a $92,949 Circular Economy Organics Council Fund grant from the state government.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

24-11-2024

The large-scale sculptures that Jannie Alday make are sophisticated works of beauty as much as they are fully functional one-offs, designed to appeal to the connoisseur. Middle-eastern architecture is among the influences that ignited this talented creative’s passion for simple elegant form and fluidity of line. Alday deploys traditional fabrication methods, welding and rendering, alongside modern technology to make sculptures that are sensual, tactile and alluring. Right now she is preparing to celebrate the launch of her new Newlyn studio.

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Get set for the 155th Kingston Show

23-11-2024

The 155th Kingston Agricultural Show happens Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 and will be held among the elm trees and in front of the heritage listed grandstand.

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Ritchie: Gregarious, flambuoyant, kind

23-11-2024

Richard Herr, otherwise known as Ritchie Rich, is a Daylesford icon. There is no doubt about that. Many people are familiar with his sartorial excess as part of his many appearances in the yearly Chill Out parade. Others know him as the best dressed Santa in town.

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The wisdom of Sage

23-11-2024

Sage Roadknight 19, is a singer from the Macedon Ranges creating in her own words, ‘futuristic folk music’.

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The people have spoken and said ‘yeah, nah’

22-11-2024

From California, Jeff Glorfeld pops his head up above the parapet and surveys the wreckage.

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Gypsy Cobs, a new feature at the Daylesford show

22-11-2024

Set for tomorrow, this year's Daylesford Show will have its first ever Gypsy Cob class competitions in the Horse Section.

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Finding small wins and sharing stories

22-11-2024

After a long period of closure, retired sportsperson Chris Anstey re-opened the refurbished Trentham Hotel last January.

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Tommy’s amazing life

21-11-2024

The scars are still there. Not only mentally from the cruel abuse Richard “Tommy” Campion and his sister suffered in a home after being abandoned when young but also on his back from beatings.

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Barefoot ‘fun’draiser …

21-11-2024

Daylesford turned on the sunshine for the Barefoot Bowls "Fun"draiser at the Daylesford Bowling Club on Sunday, November 10.

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Paver fundraiser for Courthouse Theatre

20-11-2024

Creswick Theatre Company is determined to pave the way to improving accessibility to the town’s historic Courthouse Theatre - one paver at a time.

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Writers Read event at Newstead

19-11-2024

The Newstead Writers are inviting other frustrated, aspiring or established writers to join them for their first ‘Writers Read’ event this Friday November 22 from 6.30-8pm.

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Creswick Chorus helping bring Torres Strait sound to Melbourne, Ballarat ears

18-11-2024

Creswick's own local choir, the Creswick Chorus, is preparing to be part of a special massed choir concert bringing songs of the Torres Strait Islands to Ballarat's Goods Shed Terminus Theatre - and to the state's Melbourne Recital Centre.

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Fire restrictions starting soon for Hepburn

15-11-2024

Fire Restrictions for Hepburn Shires are scheduled to come into effect from 1am on Monday, November 25, the CFA has confirmed.

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Beekeeping for beginners …

15-11-2024

If you've ever considered keeping bees then a workshop coming up at the Trentham Neighbourhod Centre may be for you.

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New Hepburn Shire councillors sworn in

14-11-2024

Hepburn Shire Council has formally welcomed its new councillors as they were sworn in earlier this afternoon.

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Kyle’s Rant

10-11-2024

Although we have a family of magpies at TL HQ, I have never been attacked, that is until a recent trip to Melbourne.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

09-11-2024

We’re “guinea pigs” today, joining the Great Dividing Trail Association on a walk led by Professor Barry Golding. It’s a kind of test run for a walk forming part of a fairly spesh little public tour series that Prof Golding will lead in early December. More on that later.

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Your say…The Vengeful Crow

09-11-2024

I’ve become quite doddery now that I approach 79. I seem to be forgetting things more often than before.

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Help is at hand for seniors feeling isolated

09-11-2024

"Ah, look at all the lonely people.” The Beatles. Loneliness can be savage on aged people. There is, however, a way to ease it.

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Jean’s Kitchen opens with high tea at Korweinguboora

08-11-2024

Long-standing Korweinguboora resident Jean Howard has had the local reserve's kitchen named after her - as part of a revival of the reserve's complex.

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Scottish heritage on show at the Daylesford Highland Gathering

08-11-2024

The Daylesford Highland Gathering has a new committee – and the December 7 event will now include Highland Games after more than a 20 - year absence. Think caber tossing, weightlifting, hammer throws and stone puts.

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Sneak peek at Six Peaks Speak

08-11-2024

Gurutjanga (Mount Kooroocheang), Nyaninuk (Mount Beckworth), Mount Greenock, Dharrang Gauwa (Mount Tarrengower), Liyanganyuk banyul (Mount Alexander) and Lalgambuk (Mount Franklin). If these ancient peaks of southern Dja Dja Wurrung country could speak they’d no doubt tell remarkable stories like those to be found in the significant new book by Professor Barry Golding.

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Lest we forget: Remembrance Day services planned

07-11-2024

A range of commemorative services and events will be taking place throughout the Hepburn Shire to mark Remembrance Day on Monday, November 11.

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Hepburn shire results…

07-11-2024

Results in the local government election for Hepburn Shire Council have been provisionally announced this afternoon.

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Counting continues in Hepburn council election…

06-11-2024

Counting continues in the Hepburn Shire local government election.

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CresFest founder honoured at folk awards

06-11-2024

Judy Turner, the dynamic musician and founder of the hugely popular CresFest folk and roots festival held in Creswick every April, was awarded the Contribution to Folk Award late last month.

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Daylesford community marks one year since tragedy

05-11-2024

A crowd of several hundred has come together this morning to commemorate the first year anniversary since the tragedy that claimed the lives of five people in Daylesford on November 5 last year.

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Daylesford to mark one year since beer garden tragedy

30-10-2024

Daylesford and the wider community are preparing to come together to mark the anniversary of last November's tragic car crash that claimed the lives of five people.

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Online marketplace exchange sites now outside 35 police stations

30-10-2024

Special zones where buyers and sellers can more safely exchange items that have been purchased online have been established outside 35 24-hour police stations across Victoria.

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Jut sayin’…

28-10-2024

"Every day I would wake up with this knot in my stomach thinking am I going to be screamed at, white-anted or publicly humiliated today, or is it someone else’s turn? Watching the humiliation happening to others was almost as bad as being the target, but at the same time you were grateful it wasn’t you that day."

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Kyle’s Rant

28-10-2024

Just had the great-nephew over from New Zealand. I say great, not because he is great, although he is, but because he is my sister's daughter's child. So I guess that makes him great rather than grand. Not sure. Happy to be corrected.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

27-10-2024

Creativity has always been central in the life of Musk Vale ceramicist Minna Graham. This exceptionally skilled ceramicist creates hand-made, functional tableware with a sculptural twist. Right now Minna is preparing to participate in a national open studio event and to exhibit her work at one of Australia’s foremost contemporary ceramics galleries, the Skepsi Gallery in Malvern.

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Creswick garden lovers’ weekend

26-10-2024

The Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, November 10 from 9am to 4pm.

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Your say…

25-10-2024

Thank you to members of this wonderful community for your enthusiastic response to the news that cinema is returning to Daylesford, upstairs in the iconic Rex building.

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Kyneton art exhibition

25-10-2024

Spirit of the Highlands is an exhibition by local artists Nadia Kliendanze and Pam Gleeson. The exhibition opened recently at The Old Auction House in Kyneton and presents two starkly contrasting perspectives of the diverse landscapes of Victoria’s Central Highlands.

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Clunes show ahead: time to get cracking

25-10-2024

There’s still time to get your entries in for the competition categories for the upcoming Clunes Spring Show.

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Kingston garden to open for CFA fundraiser

24-10-2024

The upcoming opening of the old school house garden at Kingston to raise funds for the local CFA fire brigade represents an opportunity not to be missed.

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Spring Racing Fever: Melbourne Cup tour reaches Trentham

23-10-2024

There was no shortage of Spring Racing Fever in the air as the legendary Lexus Melbourne Cup paid a visit to Trentham last Wednesday as part of its much wider international and Aussie tour that began way back in May.

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Hepburn players prepare for ‘Splendours of the Baroque’

21-10-2024

Featuring eleven string players - plus harpsichord - this month's “Splendours of the Baroque” concert promises to be a memorable experience for music lovers.

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Voting closes soon for Hepburn Shire council election

19-10-2024

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Hepburn-Shire-map.png The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is reminding voters in Hepburn Shire Council that they have until 6 pm on Friday 25 October to vote in the Hepburn Shire Council election.

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Medieval to metal: new guitar exhibition strikes a chord

19-10-2024

Exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Medieval to Metal features more than 300 works, including 40 iconic guitars on loan from the National GUITAR Museum (USA) alongside an awe-inspiring assemblage of photographs, paintings, drawings, illustrative designs, and objects.

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Clunes booktown on Sunday returns

18-10-2024

Coming up November 10, Clunes' Booktown on Sunday series will feature Ross McMullin, author of “Life So Full of Promise: Further Biographies of Australia’s Lost Generation”.

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Local roads earmarked to benefit from ‘major maintenance blitz’

17-10-2024

The state government is rolling out a major road maintenance blitz to rebuild, repair, and resurface roads right across Victoria – fuelled by the largest single-year investment in road maintenance in the state’s history.

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Big Aussie bird count happening now

16-10-2024

The Big Aussie Bird Count is happening again and there's still time to be involved in the nation-wide citizen science event which helps gain a birds' eye view on how our feathered friends are faring.

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Ballot packs should have arrived in Hepburn: VEC

15-10-2024

Voters enrolled in Hepburn Shire Council should have received their ballot packs to vote in this month's local government election - or should check the mail, the Victorian Electoral Commission says.

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Just sayin’…

13-10-2024

Let the games begin. So, 12 candidates are vying for seven spots for the new Hepburn Shire Council. The wards have been done away with and really, it seems a bit of a no-brainer as to who will get in.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

13-10-2024

While researching possible walks in the Macedon Ranges, it’s the name that catches my eye; the Sanatorium Lake Walking Trail.

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Kyle’s Rant

13-10-2024

Hepburn Shire Council will have to pull its finger out if it wants to keep visitors to the area. By the end of next year there will be 40 brands of electric vehicles sold in Australia and when they come to our little spot of paradise the EVs will all be vying for the total of six charge ports we have across our shire.

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Castlemaine and district to host festival of gardens

12-10-2024

Garden lovers will have a superb opportunity to explore multiple stunning private gardens during the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens this November.

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Family pilgrimage

12-10-2024

In every community around the country there are a multitude of stories to be told. So many of those tales are ones of diaspora, of individuals and families from all backgrounds fleeing poverty, war and social upheaval and creating a new life.

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Something old, something new: the tale of a wedding dress

11-10-2024

The story of a lavish 1880s wedding dress and its painstaking restoration is about to be shared as the historic Trewhella gown goes on display later this month at Daylesford & District Museum.

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Whopper result for Little Gallery’s winter fundraising show

11-10-2024

The Little Gallery in Trentham has raised a whopping $10,450 at its annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition.

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Top dogs headed to the Old Sniff Classic

11-10-2024

Top sheepdogs and their trainers are headed to Dean this Sunday, October 13, for the eleventh running of the Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials.

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Swagload of success: artshow benefits homeless

11-10-2024

A huge success is how artists have summed up last month’s From Behind Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition.

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Show wins for Oberon Suffolk Stud’s Gloria

10-10-2024

The first day of the 2024 Royal Melbourne Show was a great day for Musk's Oberon Suffolk Stud.

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Region’s canola growers hoping for rain

10-10-2024

Just the right amount of rainfall is the vital ingredient for which the region’s canola growers are hoping.

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Walk out for final Hepburn Shire meeting

10-10-2024

The final meeting of the Hepburn Shire Council for 2024 went awry as three councillors left before a vote could be held on the final agenda item, a confidential planning matter.

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Daylesford cinema rises from the ashes

10-10-2024

A cinema is back on the cards for The Rex building in Daylesford - to be aptly named Phoenix@The Rex.

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Lyonville Bake Off is back

09-10-2024

Get ready to indulge your senses and support a great cause at the 2024 Lyonville Bake Off.

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New round of regional events funding up for grabs

07-10-2024

A new round of state grants is projected to help more regional communities across Macedon stage events.

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Emergency Expo to take place in Daylesford

07-10-2024

Residents throughout the Hepburn Shire are being invited to attend the upcoming free Emergency Expo taking place on Saturday October 19 in Daylesford.

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Positive ageing expo at Forest Resort, Creswick

06-10-2024

All Hepburn Shire residents aged over 55 are being invited to get along to the free positive ageing expo taking place at the Forest Resort at Creswick this Thursday October 10.

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Kyle’s Rant…

30-09-2024

The cat is now out of the bag. TL HQ (AKA The Old Glenlyon Primary School) is on the market with rumours and speculation whirring about the future of The Local. (It's all good...)

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Just sayin’…

30-09-2024

Hmmm. So Dan Murphy's is appealing a Victorian Liquor Commission decision and still trying to open a store in Daylesford.

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The Vessel & Until Then

30-09-2024

"Didn’t you do this already?" has been a comment from some curious locals, regarding the second season of The Vessel and Until Then, says writer Dawn Bamforth.

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Redesdale to host three open gardens

29-09-2024

Redesdale plays host to three private country garden openings for Open Gardens Victoria on the weekend of October 19-20.

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Gig guide

29-09-2024

The Watershed Springband has been added to the bill of the Ballarat leg of the iconic Out On The Weekend, an Americana, all things alt country and roots celebration, festival.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

29-09-2024

Clunes-based Prue Simmons is a zoologist turned SAORI weaver who revels in colour and in this meditative form of creativity. Having discovered this beautiful form of Japanese weaving whilst exploring the mountains of Japan in 2007, Prue was instantly hooked...

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Revealed, stepmother shock: it wasn’t her fault

28-09-2024

The timeworn tale of the wicked stepmother is given an about-turn in a sold-out Melbourne show which had its final rehearsal in Daylesford before its world premiere.

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Superstars heading to Lyonville’s Radio Springs

28-09-2024

Australia's music and comedy superstars have dazzled and enthralled huge audiences around the world...but now they are headed to a retro performance space in Lyonville's Radio Springs Hotel to play a unique live show.

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Cars and … coffee

27-09-2024

With its cute retro body, classic details and gleaming indigo duco, Paul Dwyer’s very collectible 1956 FJ Holden ute turns heads and start conversations wherever it rolls up.

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Creswick prepares for big community garage sale

27-09-2024

Creswick residents have already started delving into the depths of their garages and assembling all manner of goodies and curios ahead of the town’s popular community garage sales set for next month.

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Endeavour group to appeal Dan Murphy’s Daylesford decision

27-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has expressed its disappointment by the Endeavour Group (Dan Murphy’s) decision to appeal the Victorian Liquor Commission ruling to refuse a licence to operate in Daylesford.

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Showcasing Pearl’s Petals at The Convent

27-09-2024

Surrounded by family photos, keepsakes and memories of her late husband Donny, Daylesford's Sandy Breen creates magic on canvas sitting on a stool in her kitchen.

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Council candidates put their hands up

26-09-2024

With the close of nominations and ballot draws for this year’s local council elections, 2231 candidates nominated for 646 council vacancies in 466 separate electorates.

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In Daylesford, it’s training cats and dogs…

26-09-2024

A scruffy terrier from Daylesford called Squid is about to hit the big screen as a star that rescues a drought-hit farm.

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Stand by: Here come The Blockheads

26-09-2024

Daylesford is headed for massive exposure via TV show The Block.

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Prosecutors review decision to drop pub crash charges

25-09-2024

Victorian prosecutors will “carefully review” a magistrate’s decision to dismiss all charges against William Swale, the diabetic driver accused of causing the fatal Daylesford crash that killed five people last November.

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Liberal candidate Wes McKnight pulls out of race for federal seat of Ballarat

25-09-2024

The Liberal Party has been left to find a new candidate to stand against incumbent, Labor's Catherine King, at the next federal election after its candidate pulled out of contention on the weekend.

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Railway arts hub hosts nature photography exhibition

23-09-2024

Newstead's Railway Arts Hub is hosting an exhibition of nature photography.

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12 standing for Hepburn’s seven councillor vacancies

23-09-2024

A total 12 candidates have nominated in Hepburn Shire for next month's local government council elections.

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Future taking shape for Daylesford Town Hall

22-09-2024

The Daylesford Community Facilities project team has been given the green light to develop designs to locate the library and community multipurpose facilities at the Daylesford Town Hall site, ahead of proposed community engagement.

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Celebration, namings ahead for Creswick trails

19-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has announced that it expects Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) to be completed by the end of this year.

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All charges dropped: charges against accused Daylesford crash driver dropped

19-09-2024

A magistrate has discharged the charges against the 66-year-old accused of culpable driving following the tragic deaths of five people in Daylesford last November.

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Lachlan Young to face trial, pleads not guilty to murder of Clunes woman

19-09-2024

Ballarat man Lachlan Young is to face a Supreme Court trial for the alleged murder of Clunes woman Hannah McGuire, after pleading not guilty and electing to have his case fast-tracked.

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Kyle’s Rant

16-09-2024

I am definitely a dog guy. I have had cats in my life but just can’t warm to the claws sticking into me, and they think they are being funny by swiping at your ankles as you walk past.

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Just sayin’…

16-09-2024

So the Local Government Inspectorate will not release any report into its five-year investigation of Hepburn Shire Council and The Rex Theatre development.

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Daylesford college staging music showcase

15-09-2024

Daylesford college's talented young musos are counting down to this Wednesday evening's music showcase event.

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Youth acoustic music

15-09-2024

The inaugural Youth Acoustic Music Revolution event will be held at Trentham Mechanics from October 25 to 27.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

15-09-2024

We’ve walked to the famed lollipop tree on the summit of Mount Beckworth near Clunes many a time, but never before from the western flank of the little mount, via its old Feldspar Mine.

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Pets @ work

14-09-2024

Personality-packed Pixel is the second Hungarian Vizsla to become resident office pooch at Belle Property - Daylesford and Trentham.

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First community vet clinic in Castlemaine

14-09-2024

The Regional Community Vet Clinic has secured a permanent home for its clinic.

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From Behind Closed Doors a treat for art lovers

14-09-2024

Coming up this month, Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative’s From Behind Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition promises to be a treat for anyone who loves original art.

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Important steps for council candidates

13-09-2024

Candidates ready to stand in the upcoming Hepburn Shire Council election are being urged to use the Victorian Electoral Commission’s newly refreshed Candidate Helper to get their applications ready for submission as nominations opened this Monday, September 9.

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Daylesford’s Arlo has a passion for puzzles

13-09-2024

While most are content to pit their wits against the latest Wordle or tackle the crossword in their local newspaper, not so Daylesford’s Arlo Schwarz Deakin.

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Magic musical performance

13-09-2024

Prepare to be swept away by the magic of the viola da gamba at Christ Church, Daylesford, on Saturday, September 21 from 2.30pm.

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Big Rainbow in desperate need of a pot of…paint

13-09-2024

Daylesford's Big Rainbow will be returned to its original glory after it is painted in December.

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Township structure plans adopted

12-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has unanimously adopted Township Structure Plans for Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Glenlyon, and Trentham, and also a Rural Hepburn Strategy at a Special Council Meeting held last week.

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Town hall feasibility report goes before final council meeting

12-09-2024

A report examining the feasibility of housing Daylesford's public library and community multipurpose facilities in the town's historic Town Hall will go before councillors at this month's Hepburn Shire Council meeting.

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Council to call for 10 percent rate cap variation

12-09-2024

As it grapples to gain financial sustainability, the Hepburn Shire Council has decided to apply to the Essential Services Commission for a 10 percent rate cap variation, including the applicable rate cap for the 2025/26 financial year.

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Bob Conroy inducted into Hall of Fame

12-09-2024

The late Bob Conroy has been inducted into the Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

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Nothing to see here, no report from LGI

12-09-2024

The Local Government Inspectorate will not take any further action into the investigation of Hepburn Shire Council and The Rex Theatre development - and its report will never be released.

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Up, close & personal

11-09-2024

The Local journalist Tony Sawrey is one of the artists taking part in the SWELL Sculpture Festival being held at Currumbin Beach, Queensland, until September 15.

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Police call for witnesses to Ballarat fatal collision

11-09-2024

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision that happened in Ballarat’s north over the weekend.

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Daylesford gets silver in nation’s top small tourism town awards

10-09-2024

Daylesford has scooped silver in the nation's Small Tourism Town Awards announced today.

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EV drivers linger longer at Hepburn

10-09-2024

The Hepburn Springs EV charger is so far proving to be the most popular charger in the Hepburn shire, at least for the last financial year.

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Great Koala Count: Aussies urged to track sightings of iconic marsupials

09-09-2024

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is calling on Australians to record koala sightings in the Koala Spotter app, to help build the most accurate national population count to date.

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No Rex report, Inspectorate announces

08-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has been notified that the Local Government Inspectorate will not be releasing a report on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project.

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Avoid hypothermia, exposure losses following shearing

04-09-2024

The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can have severe impacts on sheep.

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Lyster Opera bringing ‘Martha’ to Creswick Town Hall

04-09-2024

Local opera lovers are already anticipating the upcoming production of Flotow's masterpiece Martha which is being staged by Lyster Opera in the Creswick Town Hall in November.

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Just sayin’…

02-09-2024

I managed to break my wrist, in two spots, during a recent weekend celebrating Kyle's dad's 80th over in New Zealand.

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The Rex – No Report

02-09-2024

The Local Government Inspectorate has issued a media release about the Hepburn Shire Council and The Rex Theatre Development.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

02-09-2024

Taradale potter Ian (Ox) McColl unearthed a passion for pottery while still in his teens. It was a discovery that has shaped his life’s path ever since.

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Kyle’s Rant

02-09-2024

What sort of skullduggery is this? When a poor struggling billionaire who beat accusations he had built his tech fortune on a fraudulent deal gets towelled over by a waterspout?

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Town Folk Festival

01-09-2024

Town Folk Festival, a single-day contemporary folk music festival has announced its expansion this year, bringing an enormous line-up of local and international talent to Djaara/Castlemaine on Saturday, November 16.

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New skin cancer clinic opens in Woodend

30-08-2024

A state-of-the-art skin cancer clinic has opened in Woodend, offering appointments to patients without the need for a referral from a GP.

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Daylesford’s merry men of The Shed

30-08-2024

There’s little doubt that the blokes at the Daylesford Men’s Shed could whip up a nifty set of gates, a neat kitchen table or some handy signage.

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Play Music on The Porch Day… at Kingston

29-08-2024

Multiple musicians and community musical groups will be performing at the Commercial Hotel in Kingston as part of this Saturday’s global Play Music on The Porch Day.

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Creative practice outside metropolitan life

29-08-2024

Hepburn Shire Council has just recently endorsed its first Arts and Culture Strategy with the aim to provide a strategic framework for artists, art organisations, businesses and visitors to ferment a healthy arts culture.

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A tree to honour Clarence at Kingston Ave

29-08-2024

Just in time to catch the first stirrings of spring, a very special tree planting took place in the famed Avenue of Honour at Kingston on Saturday, August 10.

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Clunes girl takes silver in world jiu-jitsu champs, gold in Nationals

28-08-2024

A young Clunes girl has won silver in a major international jiu-jitsu championship event held in Florida, USA... and then chased it up by taking gold in the Australian Nationals.

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New operating theatre opens in Daylesford

28-08-2024

Daylesford hospital’s new operating theater has officially opened and has already started being used to provide locals with much-needed procedures, with the hospital also putting on new staff.

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Coliban Springs private garden to open

26-08-2024

The beautiful Coliban Springs private garden at Redesdale will open to the public over two days in October as part of the Open Gardens Victoria scheme.

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Talk, tour and tea at Clunes Presbytery house and garden

26-08-2024

Local garden lovers are girding themselves for a special Open Gardens Victoria event coming up next month on Saturday, September 28, at the historic Clunes Presbytery and Garden.

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Men’s shed grants up for grabs

19-08-2024

The state government says it's supporting the health and well-being of local communities with grants to build and improve men’s sheds in Victoria.

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Kyle’s Rant

19-08-2024

Recently it has come to pass that a lot of large news outlets including the ABC and the New Zealand Herald have turned to AI to write some of their stories. And being the curious bugger I am, I put the tech to the test.

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Trentham hosts multiagency chemical hazard training exercise

18-08-2024

The CFA led a major multiagency training exercise in Trentham over last weekend, tasking emergency services crews with containing a hazardous material spill in a busy workplace.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

18-08-2024

It’s curious how long you can live with an iconic slab of national mythology sitting on your doorstop and never actually go check it out.

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Time to nominate local women who make the world a better place

17-08-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council is inviting nominations to honour local women who go above and beyond to enrich life in their community, in the lead up to the next International Women's Day.

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Celebrating Daylesford’s Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

17-08-2024

The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens were planning their annual Taylor and Sangster Lecture for 2024 when president Frank Page considered the possibility of growing that event into a full-blown celebration of the wintry gardens.

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Busiest quarter on record for paramedics

17-08-2024

Paramedics and first responders across Victoria have faced the busiest quarter on record, with crews in the Grampians Region responding to 4,418 Code 1 emergencies.

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Little care for carers

16-08-2024

Daylesford's Ruth Bray, pictured above with husband Malcolm, has taken part in the National Carer Roundtable in Brisbane.

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New senior coach for Clunes

16-08-2024

Central Highlands Football League club Clunes is deploying Ballarat Football Netball League experience in the appointment of it's new senior coach, Tim Shearer.

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Sports Day donations: the wash-up

16-08-2024

The Glenlyon Sports Club has announced its donations to charities, community groups and sporting clubs from funds raised at its annual New Year's Day Family Sports Day at the Glenlyon Reserve.

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Mount Players bring Family Values to the stage

16-08-2024

For over 50 years, David Williamson has been the most produced playwright in the history of Australian theatre.

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The Castle actor digs another link to Bullarto

15-08-2024

Forever famed for his role as Dale Kerrigan in 1997 Aussie Move classic The Castle, actor Stephen Curry has quite a special connection to Bullarto it seems.

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Dan Murphy’s Daylesford licence refused in ‘landmark’ decision

14-08-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has today welcomed a Victorian Liquor Commission decision to refuse Dan Murphy’s a licence to operate in Daylesford.

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Police seek witnesses to fatal Drummond crash

14-08-2024

Police are appealing for witnesses to a car crash that claimed the life of a man at Drummond, about 20 kilometres north east of Daylesford yesterday.

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Fancy drumming: new classes coming to Daylesford

14-08-2024

Feeling rhythmic? Then a new series of drumming classes soon to start at Daylesford may just be for you.

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Night of live music and … poetry

14-08-2024

The Creswick Theatre Company is looking forward to hosting a night of live music and poetry on Saturday August 17.

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Catch Creswick Brass Band in cabaret

13-08-2024

Creswick Brass Band members are busy rehearsing for their upcoming cabaret night set for Saturday August 31 from 6:30pm at the Creswick Senior Citizens Centre.

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Commendation for thwarting assault on police

12-08-2024

Creswick’s Oscar Broad, and Lachlan McKenzie were just 16 when they noticed a police officer being assaulted and seriously injured in a park in Creswick several years ago, and rushed over to help.

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Regional Victorians pour record billions into the pokies

12-08-2024

In the Hepburn Shire LGA alone a total $13,883,548 was poured into the pokies for the 23-24 financial year, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission figures show.

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Women’s golf program starting soon at Trentham

11-08-2024

The Trentham Golf Club has announced it will be running a new Women’s Golf Program starting next month.

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Partial opening of Creswick mountain bike trails

07-08-2024

In a move that's pleased plenty of keen mountain bikers, the Hepburn Shire Council has opened 32 kilometres of Creswick's new mountain bike trails network (Djuwang Baring) - five months ahead of schedule.

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Elevated Plains glamping proposal appears no-goer

06-08-2024

Plans for a glamping development at Elevated Plains now looks to have been indefinitely shelved.

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Celebrating NAIDOC with art and song

04-08-2024

It was impressive to hear multiple school children reeling off the names of famous Indigenous Australians through history as they gathered for a special event in the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre hall.

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Just sayin’…

03-08-2024

I received a media release last week from Central Highlands Rural Health saying that they are partnering with the council to provide free access to puberty education resources.

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Sheep, ceramics & bespoke items abound

03-08-2024

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show took place in Bendigo over the weekend of July 20. It is the largest event of its type in the world showcasing the mighty Australian sheep.

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Kyle’s Rant…

03-08-2024

We are heading off to New Zealand in a few weeks, for my dad's birthday. The old bugger is turning 80 so we can't really say no.

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Win at Australian Sheep & Wool Show

02-08-2024

Glenlyon mum Claire Clifton could not be prouder of her son Jonathan Smith who took out first place in the Northern Shears Senior Competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo last weekend.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

02-08-2024

Woodend photographic artist Deborah Mullins draws plenty of inspiration from the landscape, including frequent trips to the Outback and also from her own 1.6-hectare garden on the stunning 16-hectare Hesket Farm property where she and her husband Tom reside. Deborah’s work has been displayed in many galleries in Melbourne and the Central Victorian region. Some of her latest work will be part of Little Gallery’s winter fundraising show launching in Trentham this-evening Friday, August 2.

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Pets@Work – Dianne, Pepper & Rishi

01-08-2024

Ducking into the Clunes IGA supermarket for a few essentials, the sound of a puppy yap from somewhere within says it all. Dianne Hill, owner-operator of the supermarket has another puppy in her care.

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Don is good, but out, and the show goes on

01-08-2024

Don Harvey sharply remembers the jargon of a local council officer when he was getting involved with the Daylesford Show.

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Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever…

01-08-2024

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is an event held at locations around the world where participants recreate the music video for musician Kate Bush's 1978 song Wuthering Heights.

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Celebrate midwinter with Trentham

01-08-2024

Winterfest transforms Trentham this Friday, August 2 from 4pm to 8pm with businesses trading late and lighting up the town with colourful light displays.

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Daylesford named tops for tourism

31-07-2024

Daylesford has been named the best Small Tourism Town for 2024 in the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town awards.

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Super cute additions at local wildlife park

31-07-2024

Keepers at the Ballarat Wildlife Park say they're delighted to welcome eight koala joeys this season.

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Daylesford search renewed for missing man, Esteban

29-07-2024

Police are renewing their appeal for information regarding a man who went missing from his family holiday home in Daylesford in 2021.

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Daylesford Top Tourism Town

26-07-2024

Daylesford has been named the best Small Tourism Town for 2024 in the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town awards.

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Food and organics bins proving handy for Hepburn households

25-07-2024

Hepburn shire residents have helped divert an impressive 275 tonnes of composable material from landfill in the first three months since the shire's new food and garden organics household bins started being collected.

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Garage girls coming to Kyneton

23-07-2024

Alice Anderson and her All Girl Garage are coming to town.

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Just sayin’…

22-07-2024

I have two quite interesting stories this edition. Well, maybe more, but we'll see where these end up. First one came to mind after reading Eve's latest Bushwalks of the Central Highlands.

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Kyle’s Rant…

22-07-2024

If you need cheering up don’t read this column - it contains the misery- infused thoughts of a middle-aged bloke who has just realised he has no control over his world.

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90 years of healthcare in Trentham

21-07-2024

Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, pictured, was officially opened by Governor Lord Huntingfield and Lady Huntingfield on September 7, 1934.

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All welcome for creek-side plantings at Clunes

21-07-2024

The Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group is preparing to plant and inviting everyone to get along to an upcoming series of working bees beside the Creswick Creek at Clunes.

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Return to Hamilton Island – after 30 years

21-07-2024

After 30 years Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly returned to Hamilton Island, the place where they met while working on this tropical paradise.

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Bushwalks of the Central Highlands

21-07-2024

“This would have to be the classic Daylesford walk,” enthuses Paddy H as we head off beneath an ominous sky to sample the Two Lakes 8km loop.

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Contemporary arts group looks for funding

20-07-2024

Radical Fields, an emerging contemporary arts group based in the Central Highlands has launched its winter fundraiser and is accepting tax deductible donations until July 24.

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Dean to stage fund-raising kite fest

20-07-2024

Life is looking up as Dean gets set to stage its annual kite festival.

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Trio to fill Christ Church with heavenly music

20-07-2024

Gryphon Baryton Trio - Laura Vaughan, baryton, Katie Yap, viola and Josephine Vains, cello - will perform Divertimento, music by Joseph Haydn at Daylesford's Christ Church on Saturday, July 27.

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GoFundMe for world champion title tilt

20-07-2024

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help a young Clunes girl achieve her dream of becoming a jiu jitsu world champion.

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Maldon turns arty to beat winter blues

19-07-2024

As part of the Maldon in Winter program MANet Gallery invited 33 local artists to participate in a group show, together with the eight regular MANet artists.

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Trentham Winterfest to make a sparkling debut

19-07-2024

Trentham is preparing to ramp up the seasonal atmosphere and sparkle as the town hosts its inaugural Winterfest event.

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Kate Redwood celebrated for community passion

19-07-2024

Tireless volunteer Kate Redwood will step away when her current term ends with the Central Highlands Rural Health Board of Management to focus on new projects closer to home.

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Ageing conference inspires new short film

18-07-2024

The experience of community members being talked over at an ageing conference was the spark that inspired the theme of a new short film shot in Clunes.

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The Block finally coming to Daylesford

18-07-2024

The Block is heading to Daylesford next year. Executive producer Julian Cress confirmed the Raglan Street site in a statement reported on by 9Entertainment last week.

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Bullarto stud win at Victorian Sheep Show

18-07-2024

Bullarto-based Oberon Suffolk Sheep Stud collected numerous category wins at last month’s Victorian Sheep Show.

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Lauretta Hanson on the road to Paris

17-07-2024

Fern Hill's Lauretta Hanson is heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. The road cyclist will compete in the women’s road cycling event on August 4, alongside teammates Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.

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Looking good for the festival

15-07-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured extra funding of $10,000 through the Victoria State Government’s 2024 Seniors Festival Active Living Fund to deliver Seniors Festival events this October.

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New water fountain helps Daylesford reduce single-use plastic

15-07-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council recently hosted David from Central Highlands Water at Lake Daylesford's new Choose Tap water fountain installed at Chatfield Reserve.

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Swiss Italian Festa secures multicultural event funding

12-07-2024

Daylesford's Swiss Italian Festa is among more than 240 organisations set to share in $1.8million through the state's Multicultural Festivals and Events Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund.

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Macedon women urged to participate in pain inquiry

10-07-2024

Local women and girls in Macedon are being urged to share their experiences with the state government's landmark Inquiry into women’s pain.

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Shock closure of Palais-Hepburn

10-07-2024

Live music venue, Palais-Hepburn, has closed its doors.

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Hepburn seeks community help to find financial way forward

08-07-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has launched a 'financial vision' survey and information as it invites public submissions to help develop a financial way forward.

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Kyle’s rant

08-07-2024

Recently a friend of mine was walking around Lake Daylesford with their dog and was verbally assaulted by an idiot after an off-leash dog incident.

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Neil Young and Crazy Horse … the concerts

07-07-2024

I have been beyond excited for these gigs, a trip to the Big Apple aside, a chance to see Neil with The Horse was a reason to alter and amend accommodation dates, leaving a month earlier for this trip.

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French Day soirée

06-07-2024

On Sunday, July 14, the Daylesford Town Hall will take on a Parisian ambience. U3A spokesperson Janet Quilty said the French National Day event would celebrate all things French, and an important feature of the evening will be the music.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

06-07-2024

Malmsbury artist Tia Alysse discovered her natural and considerable talent for art while still a school child. From a very young age she was encouraged in her arts endeavour with praise from teachers. Her love for animals, however, would see her go on to study veterinary science at university before she ultimately resolved to dedicate herself to art.

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Melbourne Cup coming to Trentham

06-07-2024

The Melbourne Cup is coming to Trentham as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

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Magic of alpacas on show at Ballarat

06-07-2024

Eganstown artist and hobby farmer Louiseann King reckons there’s something just a little bit magical about alpacas.

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Banding together for restored practice room

05-07-2024

There were several key reasons to strike up the band. No more leaky roof, no more underfloor damp woes, no more dodgy floor boards ... to name but a few.

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Maureen Andrew stars in The Boy from Oz

05-07-2024

Prolific independent musical theatre company Theatrical is presenting The Boy From Oz, playing for a limited season at the National Theatre, St Kilda from July 6-21.

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Still can’t get no…

04-07-2024

Results from Hepburn Shire Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey have been released.

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Town criers all about history and tradition

04-07-2024

It’s the sense of tradition, history and occasion that Creswick’s Philip Greenbank most loves about his role as town crier.

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Added incentive to recycle

03-07-2024

Clunes residents will soon have added financial incentive to recycle many of their glass and plastic containers following the installation of a reverse vending machine in Fraser Street.

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Real estate market state of play in Highlands

03-07-2024

Vendors' expectations need to be adjusted with a drop in property prices after the panic buying and selling of the pandemic.

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Newstead station readies for very big birthday

03-07-2024

The community of Newstead is getting set to celebrate a big birthday milestone for its historic railway station with a free public event planned.

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Rates up, operation costs cut, as council adopts new budget

26-06-2024

Ratepayers in Hepburn Shire will have to contend with a 2.275 per cent rate rise after the council adopted its new 2024-2025 budget yesterday.

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Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live!

26-06-2024

Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crowe as 'the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.'

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Melbourne Cup coming to Trentham

25-06-2024

The Melbourne Cup is coming to Trentham as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

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Regent closes its doors

25-06-2024

Ballarat’s Regent Cinema has suddenly closed its doors – just a week out from the winter school holidays.

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Just sayin’…

24-06-2024

I had some time last week so I did a bit of a Google around about farmland and farm zones. I realise there are experts just waiting on Facebook but instead I went to the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.

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Kyle’s Rant

24-06-2024

Did former Premier Dan Andrews deserve the nation's highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to Victoria, public health, policy and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development?

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Church concert to feature top interpreters

24-06-2024

Lizzy Welsh, baroque violin, and Joy Lee, harpsichord, will present an exploration of composer-performer relationships from the 17th century to the present at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, June 29 at 2.30pm.

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How Alan ‘took’ his dad to Gallipoli

24-06-2024

The desire to go to Gallipoli for the Dawn Service burnt strongly in Daylesford’s Alan Eaton. Major heart surgery and three operations firstly stopped him, but even when he did go it was with an undiagnosed broken leg.

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Bushwalks of the Central Highlands

23-06-2024

Paddy H and I are in luck as Creswick artist and keen bushwalker, Craig Barrett has kindly offered to guide us on one of his favourite local walks.

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Your say…

22-06-2024

Large parts of Central Victoria are covered with mining exploration licences with potential to impact your home, property, our environment, our groundwater and waterways.

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Gripping survival tale of sibling abuse

22-06-2024

My Father’s Suitcase is described as a gripping tale of resilience and survival that offers hope to others who have experienced family violence and suffered at the hands of a sibling.

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Happy 70th anniversary!

22-06-2024

An unlikely match produced an incredible 70-year bond for Joan and Stuart McEwen of Hepburn, who celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary next Wednesday, June 26.

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Social connectivity and a good book: queer book club chapter for Daylesford

21-06-2024

The new Daylesford chapter of Queer Book Club has started with a good turnout late last month.

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Toe tapping Celtic music

21-06-2024

Half Light, the duo of Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill, is coming to play at The Palais Hepburn tonight Friday, June 21 at 7.30pm.

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Oscar Wilde play reading at the Courthouse, Creswick

20-06-2024

Creswick Theatre Company is inviting everyone to get along to its play reading at the Courthouse this Sunday afternoon.

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Time extension on strategy consultation: a closer look

19-06-2024

The consultation period on Hepburn Shire Council’s draft Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn strategy has been extended to June 26.

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Planting seeds: a chat with Patrice O’Shea (OAM)

19-06-2024

Coomoora’s Patrice O’Shea recently received an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division for services to the environment and secondary education in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

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Jo Huf concert at local arts hub

19-06-2024

Newstead Railway Arts Hub is hosting a concert by local artist – Jo Huf on Friday evening, July 5.

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Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club joins cultural change program

18-06-2024

The Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club will participate in the Act@Play cultural change initiative this year following its successful application to be part of the program.

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German star violinist to play Daylesford Town Hall with ZMSO

14-06-2024

The Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra returns to Daylesford for what promises to be a memorable concert this Sunday, June 16, at the Daylesford Town Hall.

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Future Hepburn community submission deadline extended

12-06-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has extended the consultation period for its draft Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn strategy by two weeks, until 26th June, allowing more time for the community to submit feedback.

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Kyle’s Rant

10-06-2024

It feels like the world has gone and got itself a bit tangled up at the moment.

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Just sayin’…

09-06-2024

OK. By now we all know the Hepburn Shire Council is in a bit of a state financially.

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Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize open

09-06-2024

Entries for the Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize are now open until Sunday, August 4.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

09-06-2024

Just at home riding a Harley motorcycle through the desert as he is mingling in a classy art gallery, Sailors Falls creative, Michael Lelliott works with paint, drawing, photography, film, sculpture and sound to celebrate beauty where he finds it. Currently, inspired by a very recent desert excursion, he is working on a suite of new paintings to exhibit as part of this August’s winter fundraising show at The Little Gallery in Trentham, where he will be among participating artists.

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Woman of vision: meet videographer Nadine Jade

08-06-2024

After many years of paying her dues in the competitive world of professional video production, Bullarto’s Nadine Jade has reached the stage where she can finally choose which projects to accept.

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Freestyle weaving workshops at Clunes

08-06-2024

A unique, freestyle form of Japanese artistic weaving will be on display in Clunes this month, from today, June 8 to 23. The Celebration of SAORI exhibition will bring together over 30 saori artists from across Australia in a colourful celebration of individual creative expression through cloth.

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Going, going … gone

07-06-2024

One of the protected and historic cedar trees along Malmsbury Road has been felled to make way for road access for the Middleton Field housing estate.

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Out of despair comes … art

07-06-2024

Brilliantly coloured images of rock and pop stars fill a book by Yandoit’s Dave Lewis. They arose out of extreme trauma.

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A solid day’s work: the dry stone waller’s art

07-06-2024

Hepburn Springs local Jim Milesi reckons he may well be Australia’s only professional speech therapist who also works as a dry stone wall builder.

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Islands in a stream of public opinion

06-06-2024

Prompting plenty of public opinion, the current trial of pedestrian islands at the intersection of Fraser and Service Streets in Clunes will continue through to August 4 the Hepburn Shire Council says.

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Big response to Town Structure Plans

06-06-2024

More than 150 people attended a community consultation at the Daylesford Town Hall last Saturday, June 1, over the proposed Hepburn Shire Town Structure Plans.

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Bright minds, music and fireworks at Woodend arts fest

05-06-2024

Braemar College music students, Evie, Luca, Polly, Arlo and Ari, are excited to be performing before the fireworks on the opening night of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival on June 7 at Buffalo Stadium Woodend.

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Draft budget dire

05-06-2024

Hepburn Shire Council is in such dire financial straits that Mayor Cr Brian Hood and two other councillors voted to defer the release of its draft budget until September.

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Body found at Leonards Hill

04-06-2024

Emergency services have found a body believed to be that of missing Gordon man Matthew, three days after he was last seen in Newlyn.

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World-first coffee concrete trial for Macedon Ranges

01-06-2024

RMIT University and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council have teamed up to conduct a world-first coffee concrete footpath trial.

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Wine notes with Clive Hartley

31-05-2024

The Good Food and Wine Show will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from today May 31 to June 2.

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Your say…

29-05-2024

While the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance applauds Hepburn's efforts in the Rural Hepburn Strategy to protect agricultural land from further inappropriate development for so-called lifestyle blocks we assert that the town structure plans as drafted will thwart this intent to the detriment of both valuable farmland and the character and liveability of our shire's towns.

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Your say…

29-05-2024

I want to start by acknowledging the sheer enormity of the work council staff have undertaken in the development of the draft structure plans for the entire shire.

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Your say…

28-05-2024

After attending Tuesday (May 14) afternoon's meeting, I am still perplexed as to why the council has spent money on four consultants for over two years to come up with a solution that is not only basic and unimaginative but directly contradicts both the community feedback (via the consulting group of 21 residents and the community survey) and its own Agriculture Land Study and Rural Settlement Strategy.

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Just sayin’…

28-05-2024

It will be interesting. So many people against the idea to turn productive farmland into residential land in East Street, Daylesford, but can they change the Hepburn Shire Council's mind?

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Kyle’s Rant

28-05-2024

Is the Hepburn Shire Council doing the bidding of the state government in a sort of puppet master – puppet relationship?

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Walks of the Central Highlands

27-05-2024

‘One day,’ I’d always thought, while driving past the Twin Bridges picnic area on the Midland Highway just out of Daylesford.

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The untold story of William Shum: biography of an early influencer

26-05-2024

Way before social media influencers were a thing, the way we lived was subtly shaped by talented individuals like colourful yesteryear influencer William Shum.

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Where, what, why and who of the Wastelands Cup

26-05-2024

Where do artists go on holiday? Straight to the wastelands of course.

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Out & About

25-05-2024

In January 2024, author Roy Maloy became the most prolific true crime author in Australian history (Herald Sun & ABC Radio National) with the publication of his 15th true crime biography.

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Bringing a 19th century wedding day beauty back to life

23-05-2024

Qualified textile conservator Larry Edwards knows how to bring beautiful but time-worn vintage garments back to life and make them “talk”.

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Capturing the amazing aurora australis

23-05-2024

The strongest geomagnetic storm in over two decades dazzled scientists and sky-watchers alike overnight on May 10-11, 2024.

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Your say…

I’m part of the family who owns the farm on East Street, Daylesford (called Mayfield) which is being proposed to be rezoned, and I’m currently living on that farm.

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Council plans for the future of Hepburn Shire

22-05-2024

The potential rezoning of farm land to residential in East Street, Daylesford, as part of the Future Hepburn draft plans, has raised the ire of many residents in the region, along with the farming family who owns 14 hectares of the land.

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Duo bring globe-trotting style to the Palais

22-05-2024

EMILY/GRANT is the formidable duo of rock loving guitarist Grant Staines and conservatorium trained pianist Emily Coyle (piano, vocals).

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Get set for open mic night at the Palais

21-05-2024

All skill levels and styles will be welcome as The Palais, Hepburn brings back Musicians' Corner Open Mic Night on the last Thursday of every month, hosted by Ben & Dan.

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Lost girls find their way to the Palais this Saturday

20-05-2024

The Melbourne pub music scene thrived in the 80s and 90s, a vibrant era marked by the prominent presence of women and lesbian bands.

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Wise launches ‘Yearning’ at the Palais

19-05-2024

After winning Best Folk Work at the 2023 Music Victoria Awards, local singer-songwriter Lucy Wise is making her first visit to Palais-Hepburn this Friday, May 24 to launch her new EP, 'Yearning'.

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Queer book club chapter turns first page in Daylesford

17-05-2024

A new Daylesford chapter of the Queer Book Club has started this week.

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Hepburn Shire Council overturns officers’ recommendation on planning permit

17-05-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has overturned a planning officer recommendation on a permit application for a dwelling at Dry Diggings in a 4-3 split decision, amid concerns existing zoning is being ignored.

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Great tenors and sopranos at the Palais, Hepburn

17-05-2024

Tomorrow evening the Palais Hepburn is hosting a special show dedicated to the great tenor and soprano arias.

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Local landholders invited to Healthy Landscapes evening

16-05-2024

Landowners with a passion for improving land management practices are invited to join in a special evening to learn more about the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s award-winning Healthy Landscapes program.

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Creswick mountain bike trail network gets apt new name

15-05-2024

Creswick's mountain bike trail network has an apt new name - “Djuwang Baring”, meaning ‘long track’ in the Aboriginal Dja Dja Wurrung language.

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Kyle’s Rant

13-05-2024

Tesla motor cars, in my opinion, aren’t all that they are cracked up to be.

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Just sayin’…

12-05-2024

I have been wondering how this year's council elections will go with no ward boundaries.

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Mount Players’ new comedy is ‘Looped’

11-05-2024

The Mount Players' second production for 2024 opened yesterday May 10 and runs until May 26.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

11-05-2024

When bodily stresses intervened, artist and designer David Dawson went from making a living as a builder to creating Blampied’s unique Overwrought Garden Art workshop, gallery and display garden.

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The Inspectorate and … that leaked document

10-05-2024

In October last year The Local received a leaked document, via a USB drive, regarding the report by the Local Government Inspectorate into Hepburn Shire Council and dealings with The Rex. And a few other things.

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Sweet sound of success: Hepburn couple crack global games market

09-05-2024

World-wide, some truly remarkable things have come out of the global Covid pandemic and one of them is the meteoric rise to international success of a new part game developed by a Hepburn Springs couple during lockdown.

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Chance to help shape health outcomes for Hepburn shire

05-05-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council is investigating key areas that directly influence the health and wellbeing of its residents with locals invited to participate in an online survey.

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Council formally opposes pokies bid for Romsey pub

05-05-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has formally endorsed a submission to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission opposing an application for 50 electronic gaming machines in the Romsey Hotel.

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Lily explores big benefits of using public transport …

04-05-2024

Public transport is a mystery for many people in Central Victoria. Yet nine buses leave Daylesford on most weekdays to link with trains to Melbourne and Ballarat.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-05-2024

What a weird world we live in. A couple of issues ago I wrote my column about mushrooms and how I would avoid scavenging them and stick to the greengrocer. And I don't know what happened over at Clunes, but it is such an unfortunate situation that will impact on the lives of so many for so long.

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Just sayin’…

01-05-2024

What an extraordinary thing Ros Pyers has done. Generously donated to not just one but four organisations.

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‘Firewood’ theft from forest lands locals in court

30-04-2024

Two Kyneton residents who stole firewood from the Metcalfe State Forest for profit have been ordered to pay a combined amount of $3000 and forfeit the tools and machinery used in their offending, after being found guilty of six charges each at Kyneton Magistrates’ Court.

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Out of the bunker, back on the green

30-04-2024

To many people, the Hepburn Golf Club is one of the district’s hidden gems. Tucked away off the main road, it’s an oasis for kangaroos as well as those out for a bit of a hit in the open air.

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Creswick’s third CresFest was a winner

30-04-2024

As other music festivals around the country flounder, CresFest is flourishing, as was realised by the thousands of visitors who earlier this month flocked to the festival.

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TRATA plans for former railway station

29-04-2024

In the second half of the 19th century Trentham was a major hub for timber production, much of which went underground supporting the tunnels excavated at mines in nearby Daylesford.

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New signage for famed Lerderderg Track

29-04-2024

Volunteer hiking and biking group, the Great Dividing Trail Association, has launched an innovative, environmentally friendly interpretive signage project along the length of the 87km Lerderderg Track from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh.

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Final service held at Daylesford Uniting Church

28-04-2024

Sunday, April 21 was the final service held by the Daylesford Uniting Church - as it is now prepared for sale by Uniting Vic. Tas.

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125 years roll by for Daylesford Bowling Club

28-04-2024

Daylesford Bowling Club has celebrated its 125th anniversary in style with an afternoon tea party held at the Camp Street club rooms recently.

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Chamber Poets returning to Woodend

27-04-2024

“She said a rude word!” exclaimed the eight-year-old boy. He continued to repeat this phrase every time the rude words appeared, to the delight of both the audience and the poet. Be warned: some dark and dangerous things can happen in poetry.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

27-04-2024

Today we’re tackling the Andersons Tramway Walk at Mollongghip just east of Newlyn. This 8km (16km return) bushwalk is a bit of a surprise packet. Who could have guessed there would be a “tramway” running through the bush here?

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Macedon Ranges gardens open to public

27-04-2024

Garden lovers are in for an Anzac Day weekend treat with the chance to visit two extraordinary private historic properties opening in the Macedon Ranges, with Open Gardens Victoria both today and tomorrow, April 27 and 28.

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Transition Clunes to hold clothing swap event

26-04-2024

Newly formed local group, Transition Clunes, is preparing to hold its very first public event this month – a women’s clothing swap.

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Spudfest: celebrating all things potato

26-04-2024

For one weekend every autumn, Trentham is all about the humble potato.

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Heritage listing for Daylesford’s old school of mines building

25-04-2024

The recent inclusion of the Old Daylesford School of Mines building on the Victorian Heritage Register has significant positive implications for the future of the building.

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Anzac Day 2024

25-04-2024

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Sharing love, kindness and generosity

25-04-2024

On a beautiful autumn day, surrounded by loved ones, friends and community, Ros and Keith Pyers, holding hands in the family home sitting room, did what they have done so well for so long – shared their love, kindness and generosity.

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It’s the full pull at Trentham

25-04-2024

The Trentham Vintage Tractor Pull is on again this Sunday, April 28.

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Second Hand News: Fleetwood Mac tribute at the Palais

24-04-2024

From 70s jams to 80s pop hits, Second Hand News will play two huge sets of songs spanning Fleetwood Mac’s incredible career in its upcoming live show at the Palais, Hepburn.

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Reg Cole Quartet to play the Palais

23-04-2024

The Reg Cole Quartet is headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for a Saturday night gig on May 4.

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Valentines bringing smoky jazz to the Palais

23-04-2024

Bringing smoky jazz to Palais-Hepburn, for a Friday night gig on May 10, The Valentines is a new duo in town.

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Anzac Day 2024

19-04-2024

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Kyneton Horticultural Society hosts annual autumn flower show

19-04-2024

The Kyneton Horticultural Society is hosting its Annual Autumn Flower Show tomorrow Saturday April 20 from 1-4pm and Sunday April 21 from 10am – 4pm.

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Fire Danger Period soon to end in Hepburn shire

18-04-2024

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1am on Monday, April 22 in the Hepburn Shire, the CFA has declared.

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Smeaton house featured for Sustainable House Day

18-04-2024

Mill View, a passive solar house in Smeaton near Daylesford will feature as part of national Sustainable House Day this Sunday April 21 alongside over 100 of Australia’s most inspiring sustainable homes.

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Police investigate woman’s death in Clunes

17-04-2024

Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances following the death of a woman in Clunes, Sunday, 14 April.

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New adult drama classes coming to Daylesford

17-04-2024

Daylesford is getting its own adult drama classes, run by local theatre company Lab Kelpie.

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New owner for Hepburn Springs Golf Club

16-04-2024

Members of the Hepburn Springs Golf Club have approved the acquisition of their golf course and assets by Golf Services Management.

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Kyle’s Rant

13-04-2024

Japan is a country of juxtapositions. A Fuji photo booth sitting next to a plethora of vending machines offering porn magazines, smokes and booze in the middle of a rice paddy with a handful of workers and nobody else around sums it up for me.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

12-04-2024

From his earlier days as a rock musician and his years at the prestigious Academy of Art in Dresden, Germany - to his new upcoming exhibition at the Convent Gallery, Daylesford’s Monty Osewald is the sort of vivacious talent whose creative work gets noticed wherever he goes. His personal story could be described as fiery, even phoenix-like. Ahead of his new show that opens later this month, he shared a little of that story.

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Just sayin’…

12-04-2024

A long, long time ago, just after the dinosaurs disappeared and the wheel was invented, I lived in Japan.

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Writers launch new Chequerboard anthology

12-04-2024

The Clunes writers group is a diverse lot so it’s little wonder that their new anthology has something in it to appeal to just about every kind of reader.

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Turning Japanese

11-04-2024

Japan must be one of the most popular destinations for Australians, if the newspaper and magazine advertising is anything to go by. And for good reason.

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Soulful blues, roots, country at the Palais

10-04-2024

Coming up Friday evening April 26, renowned singer-songwriter Michael Meeking returns to the Palais-Hepburn for an intimate performance of soulful acoustic alternative country roots and rock.

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Luoda to play the Palais

09-04-2024

Luoda is their original music to Victoria’s beautiful Spa Country for the first time, playing songs from their debut album “Running Out of Time” as well as some new music to be recorded this year.

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Masterplans finalised for Clunes parks

08-04-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has endorsed masterplans to guide the future planning and development of Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes.

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Wildlife road trauma hitting home in Macedon Ranges Shire

08-04-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council will call on the federal gvernment to factor in wildlife trauma and fatalities metrics in federal road safety funding models.

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Taste of country coming to the Palais

08-04-2024

Rolling Stone Magazine once described Kevin Welch as “One of the best songwriters in America”.

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Near drowning at Daylesford

02-04-2024

A 58-year-old woman had a lucky escape after falling into a flooded stormwater drain in Daylesford last night.

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Just sayin’…

01-04-2024

I love a cautionary tale. But not as much as I love a deserved refund. And I have two down and one to go. So feeling pretty happy.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-04-2024

Warning: The first three paragraphs of this editorial will probably put you to sleep!

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Artists of the Central Highlands

31-03-2024

Lyonville artist Suzi Donovan is not sure how to describe her artistic style. She is still experimenting with landscapes, clouds and still life but also trying seascapes, rocks and forests. Also extending into abstract work, this local creative is busy right now preparing for her first public exhibition, together with fellow artist Gayle Cykner, at Trentham’s Cosmpolitan Hotel.

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This CresFest World podcast series

31-03-2024

This CresFest World! is a podcast series of interviews with the people who inspire and are part of CresFest, Creswick's own home-grown folk music festival.

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Lute performance to bring ‘profound musicality and virtuosity’

30-03-2024

Jakob Lindberg will perform at Stanbridge Hall at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, April 13 at 2.30pm.

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Jeff still Down Under

30-03-2024

When I left the USA, in 1983, the only Australian music to be heard on mainstream radio was Men At Work, songs from that amazing album Business As Usual, which was released in 1981 in Australia, 1982 in the USA.

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Appealing way to spend Good Friday

29-03-2024

Daylesford teacher Natalie Kirby, and a host of volunteers, are again collecting donations for The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal – and they hope to best last year’s total of just over $21,000.

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The magic of CresFest

28-03-2024

There will be an element of magic in the air at Creswick this CresFest.

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Good Grub @ Easter

28-03-2024

Daylesford’s Good Grub Club is holding a special Easter Passover lunch at the Uniting Church Hall today, Thursday March 28 from noon to 1.30pm.

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Innovative youth mental health launch in Hepburn

25-03-2024

The innovative Live4Life youth mental health and suicide prevention program has launched in Hepburn Shire in recent days.

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Melisande brings French Quebec flavour to CresFest

23-03-2024

Hailing from Québec, Canada, Melisande is among the headliner acts headed to CresFest next month.

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Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse to bring ancient language alive at CresFest

23-03-2024

Ancient language, contemporary music and poignant stories will come together when Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse perform at CresFest next month.

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Women of soul at Palais, Hepburn

20-03-2024

For one show only, Australia’s premier collective of female songwriters and performers, Women of Soul, bring their soul revue to the Palais Hepburn Springs on Sunday March 24.

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Drag tribute to Tina Turner at the Palais

20-03-2024

A Night With Tina is a fun, action-packed and loving drag tribute to R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner and it's happening at the Palais, Hepburn on Friday March 29.

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Creswick gets cracking for firey championships

19-03-2024

Creswick Fire Brigade’s senior running team may lack in numbers, but their dedication and positivity in the lead-up to the State Firefighter Championships certainly makes up for it.

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Just sayin’…

18-03-2024

Great to see the Daylesford Guide Hall getting the renovations it needs for a new generation of Guides. And apparently Brownies are now Junior Guides.

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Kyle’s Rant

17-03-2024

By the time you read this the feathers will have settled, the pink boas put away to live another day and the glitter swept from the floor.

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Walks of the Central Highlands: Jacksons Lookout Loop Walk, Hepburn Springs

17-03-2024

The Jackson’s Lookout walk taking in Wyuna, Argyle and Golden Springs is a great option for going just that little bushland bit beyond the more heavily traversed tourist saunters out of Hepburn Springs Reserve - even if you’re strapped for time.

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C.W. Stoneking to headline 122nd Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival

16-03-2024

ARIA Award winner C.W. Stoneking will headline this month's popular annual Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival.

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Countdown to CresFest…

15-03-2024

CresFest 2024 will be the third time around for the small Goldfields community of Creswick.

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Those fascinating folk, now at rest…

14-03-2024

Retired Anglican priest, Trentham’s Peta Sherlock admits she’s more than a tad addicted to fossicking out fascinating stories of the past.

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Five women inducted to IWD Honour Roll

14-03-2024

A large crowd gathered in Daylesford last Thursday evening to congratulate five new inductees to the International Women's Day (IWD) Heather Mutimer Honour Roll.

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Daylesford jewellery store burglary: $100,000 worth snatched

13-03-2024

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary at a jewellery store in Daylesford last month.

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Keep you posted: Mick makes our postal heritage sing

13-03-2024

Former Bushwhacker Mick Slocum has been in Daylesford in recent days to do something he absolutely loves besides making music – working to make the town’s heritage post box sing.

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Creswick Brass Band to perform at Book Town

12-03-2024

The award-winning Creswick Brass Band is headed to Clunes later this month to perform as part of the annual Book Town Festival.

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Get set to drink in One Part Gin

12-03-2024

Ballarat- based duo One Part Gin like to play dark folk music that's splattered with grit and gloom.

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The longest lashes at Lyonville

12-03-2024

Get along to the Radio Springs Hotel (AKA the centre of the universe) for the longest lash feature event.

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Geoffrey Williams to perform at Booktown

12-03-2024

Funky world renowned singer-songwriter, Geoffrey Williams is headed to Clunes to perform at this month's Book Town Festival.

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Spooky men are headed to CresFest

11-03-2024

The Spooky Men’s Chorale has been described as 'a vast, rumbling, steam-powered and black-clad behemoth of mansound' and it's headed to Creswick to perform as part of next month's CresFest.

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Boots ‘n bling galore as ChillOut ’24 sparkles

10-03-2024

It's been a sparkling ChillOut parade filling Daylesford's main drag with radiant, positive vibes this morning...

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Chance to help shape gambling harm prevention in Macedon Ranges

10-03-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community response to its new draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy that it has endorsed for community consultation at its February meeting.

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Argentina’s Guanaco Trio headed to CresFest

09-03-2024

Hailing from Argentina, Guanaco Trio is headed to CresFest.

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Man charged with murder of missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy

07-03-2024

Police have charged a 22-year-old man with the murder of missing Ballarat East woman Samantha Murphy.

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Trentham’s Cosmo to host debut International Women’s Day charity lunch

03-03-2024

Trentham's Cosmopolitan Hotel is holding an inaugural International Women's Day Charity Lunch in Trentham on Friday, March 8.

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Transgender legend to share story at Birds of a Feather first

03-03-2024

Media professional and transgender legend Julie Peters will share her story at the first Birds of a Feather event for 2024at the Victoria Hotel, Woodend this Thursday, March 7 from noon.

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Kyle’s Rant

02-03-2024

And to all the corporate idiots who shouted from the rooftops “print is dead” as we started our fledgling magazine in 2013 with a rag-tag gang of volunteers - you just weren’t paying attention!

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Just sayin’…

02-03-2024

So, we just hit the 300th edition of The Local. That's a pretty big milestone for a little local paper. Well, not so little. This edition is 104 pages. Massive.

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Mount Players bring dark comedy to life

01-03-2024

The Mount Players' first production for the year opened on February 23 and is being directed by Lancefield local, George Benca.

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Rogue Traders – chilling out with heart and soul

01-03-2024

My first impression of Rogue Traders band members Natalie Bassingthwaighte and James Ash is just how grounded and real they both are.

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No time to relax… brigade remains ready

29-02-2024

It may have been a comparatively mild summer fire season out Hepburn-Daylesford way so far ... but it’s not over yet. “February and March are always our worst months,” Hepburn CFA brigade captain Barry Yanner said, chatting presciently to The Local about a week before the major fire broke out in the Beaufort area last Thursday.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

29-02-2024

Sarah Koschak’s fascination with pottery began as a small child and never really left. For several decades, though, it was a passion that lay dormant as, in adulthood Koschak travelled the world, working as a photographer in some amazing places. These days the childhood fascination is made manifest as this talented local devotes herself to creating objects of beauty and functionality at her studio/gallery at Newstead.

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The Local hits 300th edition & 104 pages

29-02-2024

February 26, 2024 is the date of the 300th edition of The Local - in print and online - celebrated with a massive 104 pages of news, features, columns and real estate.

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ChillOut time across the shire for Labour Day long weekend

28-02-2024

There are so many festivals and exhibitions to choose from as the Labour Day long weekend rolls into the Central Highlands.

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Not so bright spark

28-02-2024

Ballarat Highway Patrol have charged a man after he was caught driving his vehicle on its rims which in turn sparked spot fires along the side of the road in Buangor on Sunday.

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Daylesford Town Hall to close for upgrade works

28-02-2024

The Daylesford Town Hall will close for essential electrical and roofing works for at least 18 months from September, the Hepburn Shire Council has announced this afternoon.

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VOGA cycle club hosts femmes social off road ride at Creswick

28-02-2024

The VOGA Cycle Club is hosting a special social ride for women at Creswick next month with beginners welcome.

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Chance to help shape Victoria’s new animal protection laws

27-02-2024

The draft bill for a new Animal Care and Protection Act has been released for public comment, but you'd better be quick as the opportunity to have input closes early next month.

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Fire warning issued

27-02-2024

People living in parts of Victoria's north-west and south-west are being warned to prepare for catastrophic fire conditions tomorrow, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid 40s in some areas.

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Warning to prevent heat stress in livestock

27-02-2024

Agriculture Victoria is urging livestock owners to ensure all animals in their care are adequately protected from harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat.

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Harry Manx ‘deliciously addictive’ at the Palais

26-02-2024

The New York Times called him ‘deliciously addictive’ and said that when you listen to Harry Manx ‘you are listening to an original.’

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More light on the subject at Daylesford’s Victoria Park

26-02-2024

The Daylesford Football Netball Club may just be kicking and shooting more goals in the near future after receiving state funding for a lighting upgrade at its home base.

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Time to have a ball… the FREEZA Youth Pride Ball

26-02-2024

Happening at The Palais, Hepburn next month, the Freeza Youth Pride Ball is a free event for LGBTIQA+ and allied young people to come together and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment, embracing pride, diversity, and inclusion for all.

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Daylesford and Hepburn volunteers praised for rescue efforts

24-02-2024

Daylesford and Hepburn brigade members have met with CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan in recent days to highlight the importance of road crash rescue brigades and the vital work they do in the community.

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Chance to name Creswick Trails segments

23-02-2024

Construction of the Creswick (mountain biking) Trails continues to progress toward an anticipated opening in December. Meantime, there’s an opportunity to get involved by helping to name sections of the trail, the Hepburn Shire Council says.

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Wards to be axed in Hepburn shire electoral move

22-02-2024

The state's minister for local government has announced a new electoral structure for Hepburn Shire that will do away with the current ward system.

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Sustainable Day Out coming up soon

22-02-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council is preparing to host the Sustainable Hepburn Day Out at Daylesford's Victoria Park on Saturday March 16.

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Arrests follow violent aggravated home invasions

21-02-2024

Crime Squad detectives have arrested and charged four people following an aggravated burglary in Clunes, among a series of violent aggravated home invasions in the region.

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An evening in the Canyon: celebrating that Laurel Canyon sound

21-02-2024

Fans of American alternative country music, folk and westcoast harmony are in for a treat as the Palais at Hepburn prepares to host 'An Evening in the Canyon' this Saturday night, February 24.

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‘Poignant lyrics, soaring melodies’ soon to grace the Palais

21-02-2024

Australian folk troubadour Cooper Lower is quickly garnering a reputation as one of Australia’s most captivating young songwriters.

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Kyle’s Rant

19-02-2024

I don’t need all the mod cons in my car. I have a little noise which comes from the passenger seat if I am about to run into danger, it normally squeaks “chout” an abbreviated “watch-out”.

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Rare opera revival

18-02-2024

Daylesford is soon to experience a rare operatic experience when Lyster Opera presents the first professional revival of Friedrich von Flotow’s Martha in many years.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

17-02-2024

If there’s just one walk to take visitors on while in the Creswick area, this would have to be it.

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A wonderful journey of food & friendship

17-02-2024

Sometimes there are people who wander into our lives and our communities with an unexpected gift of compassion and connectedness. It is often hard to articulate the extent of their reach. Raman Richards is one such example.

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$50k to get back to racin’ at the Basin

16-02-2024

The Daylesford Speedway Drivers Association, administrators of the Daylesford Speedway track in the Basin Reserve, have set up a GoFundMe page to raise $50,000 for a new concrete safety wall for the historic circuit.

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16-02-2024

When the Historic Vehicle Show happens at Clunes showground next month look out for the retired truckies as they catch up with tales tall and true.

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Mind Your Pet closes its doors on an era

15-02-2024

After 18 years Rob Hands and Annie Reeve have stepped away from their Mind Your Pet business in Daylesford.

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Staying social with Scottish Country Dances

15-02-2024

It was in Germany, of all places, that they eyes of Creswick’s Susan Greenbank were first opened to Scottish Country Dancing.

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Irish Aine headed to the Palais

14-02-2024

Áine Tyrrell is an inspiring and thought-provoking multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and unmissable live act and she's headed to The Palais, Hepburn to perform this Saturday evening , February 17.

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Fashion swap soon at Trentham

10-02-2024

Coming up Sunday February 18th, the Trentham Fashion Swap team will host their first of four clothing swaps for 2024, at the Trentham Neighborhood Centre.

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Ben Mastwyk & The Energy play the Palais

10-02-2024

Emerging like mist from a glassy moonlit lake, Ben Mastwyk & The Energy rise from dusty streets of Melbourne's inner north to bring their unique brand of cosmic-cult-country to Palais-Hepburn on Friday evening, Feb 16.

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Just sayin’…

05-02-2024

It's been a long time since I wore a mask but I did recently. It was on a little New Year break on a shortish flight to Queensland.

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Kyle’s Rant

05-02-2024

What a rip-off this summer has been - and in the wake of the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Niño event underway on September 19 last year, which should have meant a hot dry summer.

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Boots and flannies, then time to sparkle

04-02-2024

It’s almost time to dust off the boots and flannel shirts for the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

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Can Trump win the 2024 election? Should we care? Jeff says ‘Yes’ to both.

04-02-2024

The 2024 contest to see who will be the next president of the United States, between incumbent Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump, is being called the most important in the country’s history, by many professional political observers.

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Sunset in the springs: free community concerts

03-02-2024

Everyone is invited to enjoy some top live music with two free family-friendly community concerts taking place over the next two consecutive Friday evenings this month.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

03-02-2024

The artistic oeuvre of Newstead-based Carol de Graauw is impressively diverse. Jeweller, silversmith, ceramicist, sculptor, this mutli-talented local designs and creates jewellery using gold, silver, bronze, cloisonne enameling and resin. She is just as at home, however, working with clay to create functional and decorative pieces. De Graauw has described creativity as “an escape pad” that “engages the heart, mind, soul and body in the act of making unique pieces”.

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Highland gathering after new members

03-01-2024

Want to be a part of one of the longest running heritage festivals in Daylesford? Then you need to keep a couple of dates free.

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Quick go the shears at Clunes – for a cause

02-02-2024

Showcasing the athleticism of one of the toughest jobs in modern agriculture, Clunes Quick Shear has become a favourite competitive fixture on the calender of pro shearers both local and from across the ditch.

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Mayhem for Megan, back on the boards

02-02-2024

Long-time Daylesford resident Megan Jones whoops for joy as she tells of at last becoming a poster girl. At 70.

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Sunny side up: a new crop for Clunes

02-02-2024

The field full of sunflowers on the outskirts of Clunes has been attracting its fair share of attention.

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Lyonville woodchop is back

01-02-2024

The Lyonville Woodchop will be held at the Lyonville Hall on Saturday, February 3 from 10.30am.

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Creswick’s EV charge station is back on-line

01-02-2024

EV drivers have been delighted to see Creswick’s 50kW fast charge station is finally back online.

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The Local scoops Australian Enterprise Award

01-02-2024

The Local Publishing Group has been awarded Best Regional Home & Country Lifestyle Media Publishing Group 2024 in APAC Insider's eighth annual Australian Enterprise Awards.

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Council awards for citizens and events

31-01-2024

Creswick's Neville Cartledge OAM and Pat Tacey have shared the top honour and jointly been named Hepburn Shire Citizen of the Year.

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Aussie Van Morrison show to play the Palais, Hepburn

31-01-2024

The Australian Van Morrison Show is set to captivate audiences at The Palais in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, following their sold-out success in Tasmania, Perth, and Melbourne.

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VCAT rules on Dan Murphy sign mooted for Daylesford

30-01-2024

A recent VCAT ruling means a large advertising sign for Dan Murphy's liquor retailer will not be able to be installed in Daylesford as planned.

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EVs on the agenda for Green Drinks event

29-01-2024

First-hand experience of owning and using an elecric vehicle will be the focus of discussion by a knowledgeable panel of speakers at the free community 'Green Drinks' event coming up Thursday, February 15 at Ballarat's Bunch of Grapes Hotel.

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Masters in the art of connection: We Mavericks head to Hepburn

29-01-2024

Masters in the art of connection, Lindsay Martin (AU) and Victoria Vigenser (NZ) interweave effortless strings, soulful vocals and driving rhythms to form a singular, intense musical voice.

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Karise Eden to play The Palais

28-01-2024

Shooting to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video that now has over 50 million views on YouTube, Karise Eden has arguably one of Australia’s most distinctive voices, with two ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records and multiple Top 5 positions in the ARIA and AIR charts.

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New round of funding to kick-start local tourism ventures

25-01-2024

One in every 11 jobs in regional Victoria exists because of tourism, and the state government says it aims to bring more regional tourism projects to life through its latest round of tourism funding.

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Amy Winehouse Show presented by Atlanta Coogan & the Back To Black Band

24-01-2024

Australia’s longest running Amy Winehouse Show, Back to Black, returns to the Palais-Hepburn this Saturday January 27th.

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‘Silken wryness of Elvis Costello’ meets ‘gravel of Dylan’ at The Palais

23-01-2024

The Age newspaper once described David Cosma as having the "full-bodied croon pairing the silken wryness of Elvis Costello and the gravel of Bob Dylan” while Street Press wrote "a thinking person’s songwriter that speaks volumes to what a terrific talent we have in our midst”.

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Flood mitigation workshop for farmers

21-01-2024

Early next month the Hepburn Shire Council will host a workshop to help local farmers work on strategies to deal with the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events.

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Kyle’s Rant

20-01-2024

As we all settle down into the rhythm of 2024, it is worth considering our New Year's commitments and resolutions and if they are likely to be stuck by, or just drunken rhetoric and false promises.

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Just sayin’…

20-01-2024

Sometimes I wonder if the world is going mad. Or is it me? Probably me.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

20-01-2024

If you haven’t yet done the Lalgambook (Mount Franklin) crater rim walk, now’s a great time to get cracking.

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Bowling club celebrates 125 years on a roll

20-01-2024

Do you recognise any of these bowlers?

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Newstead Live returns this Australia Day Weekend

19-01-2024

The Central Victorian folk-roots musical festival, Newstead Live, has announced its line-up for 2024.

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Harry Hookey to play Mollongghip

19-01-2024

Circle Saturday, January 27 on your calendar.

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LGBTIQA+ workshop

19-01-2024

A free workshop, produced by Justice Connect, "Preparing for your future: A conversation guide for the LGBTIQA+ community" is specifically designed to encourage older people to engage with the process of future planning.

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The secret lives of a writerly town

18-01-2024

A significant number of secret lives have been uncovered in Clunes.

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Berry fine way to spend a day

18-01-2024

Going summer berry picking makes for an idyllic holiday activity whether you’ve got kids along for the fun or not.

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Your say…

18-01-2024

I note that Coles Daylesford has removed its sanitiser station from the front door. There is still one at the side entrance.

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Teaching the next generation: Returning the Fourth Bark Petition to Country

17-01-2024

In 1962 my husband Malcolm Bray went to Yirrkala Mission in Northern Territory to work as a mechanic. I joined him three years later. We learnt the local Aboriginal language, and would often go to listen to the singing, the didgeridoo and the clapsticks in the evenings, and loved going out on Country with the Yolngu people.

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Your say…

17-01-2024

I read with interest your article, and comments, re the impending 'delicensing' of the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. (The Local, January 1, 2024).

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106-lot subdivision plans lodged for Clunes

10-01-2024

The township of Clunes looks as though it may be poised to expand with a planning application lodged seeking to subdivide a 29.31 hectare parcel of land to create 106 new housing lots.

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New childcare centre gets green light for Clunes

10-01-2024

The Victorian State Government expects to open a new government-owned early childhood learning centre in Clunes by 2026.

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Container deposit scheme proving a winner in Hepburn

07-01-2024

The recently installed reverse vending machine in Creswick received a record 9500-plus containers in just one-week courtesy of 112 customers, the Hepburn Shire Council has reported.

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Treat for blues, soul lovers at Palais, Hepburn

06-01-2024

Steve Hoy is an Australian singer and songwriting legend with a career that includes writing and recording collaborations with Joe Camilleri, Dingoes Chris Stockley and Ross Wilson and tours with The Black Sorrows, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, John Farnham, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam and Warren Zevon.

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Just sayin’…

03-01-2024

First of all, Happy New Year! It's 2024 already - and the years just keep rolling around. My lovely Nan told me once that time goes faster as you get older, and it's true. But getting older is also a privilege not open to everyone.

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Sybil Disobedients at the NYE parade, Daylesford

03-01-2024

The Sybil Disobedients from Central Vic Climate Action crew took part in the Daylesford New Years Eve parade.

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Summer Sundays series starts this weekend, Ballarat

03-01-2024

Live music lovers have some cause to rejoice as Ballarat's Summer Sundays free concert series returns to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens this Sunday January 7.

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Catch Taxiride at the Palais this Friday

03-01-2024

Taxiride brings its unique musical blend of retro sensibility with modern style to The Palais, Hepburn this Friday night, January 5.

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Council adopts new policy for property management

29-12-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted new policies governing the way it manages leases, licences and the disposal and acquisition of land.

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Kyle’s Happy New Year Rant…

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Kyle’s Rant

25-12-2023

Christmas started way too early this year with the first signs, including mince pies, making their annual debut hot on the heels of the Halloween landfill which wrapped up in early November.

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Just sayin’…

25-12-2023

Kyle and I are having an orphans' Christmas this year. I literally am an orphan now, and one of his parents lives in another state and one in another country.

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New Year @ Glenlyon

24-12-2023

Except for the war years and Covid, the New Year’s Sports Day at Glenlyon has been run every year since 1857 - but some of the “older” members joke that they can’t quite remember back that far!

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New Year’s Eve gala and parade in Daylesford

23-12-2023

December 31 means just one thing to many people in Daylesford and Hepburn - the New Year's Eve Parade and Gala.

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Smile on their dial

23-12-2023

It would probably be pretty hard to beat the creation of a sundial as a well-rounded learning experience.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

23-12-2023

From his childhood in rural America, Ryan Kennedy (aka RFK) moved to New York City and worked in the fashion industry including textile design and runway installation. From there he pursued his own creative studio practice in Brooklyn and in 2009 hosted a tour group of Australian art educators, curators and collectors which led to...

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Dean delivers the goods

22-12-2023

It was a happy occasion in Creswick.

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Look out: radical harvest ahead

22-12-2023

Using a motorbike to “paint” with doesn’t just produce a fairly unique work of art in the landscape.

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Churchy things at Christmas…

22-12-2023

The Christ Church Daylesford (Anglican) will hold a Christmas Eve service at 10am on Sunday, December 24 and a Blue Christmas service at 6pm for people who have lost someone this year.

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Win for conservation in the Wombat Forest

22-12-2023

Late last month the Victorian Supreme Court granted an injunction to stop VicForests timber harvesting operations in a coupe known as ‘Silver Queen’ in the Wombat State Forest. This replaces the interim injunction that has been in place since September.

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Hepburn Wildlife Shelter under threat

21-12-2023

The future of much-loved Hepburn Wildlife Shelter hangs in the balance with DEECA threatening to enforce the removal of all wildlife in its care from early in the new year.

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Beginning to look like Christmas

21-12-2023

Christmas is coming, and so are the outfits, decorations and trees. The Local caught up with a few of those making the most of the silly season.

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CCTV for Creswick EV charge station

20-12-2023

CCTV surveillance equipment to protect Creswick’s public EV charge station is scheduled for installation this week, Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas has confirmed.

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What a Trooper

20-12-2023

They’re a lively and character-packed lot, the dogs of Trentham, and not least among them is Trooper the kelpie.

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Very merry lunch for Probus

19-12-2023

There was no mistaking the season as the Daylesford Probus Club collectively pulled up a seat at the lunch table yesterday.

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Cycle club holding beginner class

17-12-2023

The VOGA Cycle Club will be holding a beginner cyclists class on Thursday, 29 February starting at 10am at the Creswick Band Rotunda in Albert Street, Creswick.

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Creswick’s Calembeen Parkrun gets set to celebrate one good year

16-12-2023

Creswick's Calembeen Parkrun crew are inviting everyone to get along and help celebrate the new park run's first anniversary on site at the town's Calembeen Park on Saturday, 20 January at 8am.

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Just sayin’…

11-12-2023

I thought Heather Mutimer's story on Madame Xenia Borovansky, the niece of the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and who moved to Daylesford, was fascinating. It's on page 13 (this edition of TL if you want a read).

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Kyle’s rant

11-12-2023

What’s going on with sizes? The other day I did my usual pre-summer shop for a set of jandals, or as they are inappropriately called thongs, ready for the summer.

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Walks of the Central Highlands…

10-12-2023

Today we’re tackling a short sharp little gem of a walk known as The Cork Oaks Track.

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Boots and bling: what’s in store for ChillOut 24

10-12-2023

Planning is well advanced for Daylesford’s ChillOut '24 with a “cornucopia of queer talent” in store for the annual March long weekend attraction.

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Madame Borovansky and 46 West Street, Daylesford

10-12-2023

WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY HOUSE was the title of an ABC television series which researched the fascinating history of a selection of Australian homes and the people who once inhabited them.

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Above The Greens with down-to-earth dining

10-12-2023

Above The Greens, the Daylesford Bowling Club's bistro is back up and running with some great fare on offer from chef Geoff Wellington.

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Six years in the making: Trentham community garden opens for use

09-12-2023

The new Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden was officially opened on Saturday, November 18, after six years in concept and development phases.

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Your say…

09-12-2023

The most obvious difference about moving to the country from inner-city Melbourne is that pedestrians are at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to road use in town.

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Sweet smell of open gardens success

09-12-2023

Last month’s Musk open gardens event has raised thousands of dollars for the Musk CFA.

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Sign of the times: it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

08-12-2023

If you have ever wandered around Daylesford in November, you have probably seen Robbie Holbery signwriting the windows of Daylesford Meat Co in Vincent Street, and Albert Street Butchers, just around the corner.

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Celebrating extraordinary lives with Simone Kaplan

08-12-2023

Ellie Young of Trentham was born in New Zealand. Her father was a lighthouse keeper, and her mother was a schoolteacher.

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That big brassy sound

07-12-2023

Creswick Brass Band has extra reason to feel festive after being named Band of the Year at the recent Lions Blue Lake Festival in Mount Gambier, South Australia.

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Take a seat Verna: preschool teacher celebrates half a century

07-12-2023

Kinder educator Verna Baker celebrated 50 years of teaching at the Daylesford Preschool with a large gathering of parents, children and friends and family recently.

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Foundation makes study dreams come true

07-12-2023

Tackling a course of study at tertiary level is generally challenging enough, and difficulty with finances, travel and other costs is the last thing anyone needs as they go about it.

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Artists of the Central Highlands…

27-11-2023

The considerable artistry of Kyneton sculptor Anne Anderson has seen her work recognised with multiple high profile arts awards including the most recent Toorak Village Sculpture Prize. For this busy professional creative the schedule ahead includes exhibiting at McClelland Sculpture Park in Narre Warren in January and at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March. Anne chatted with Eve Lamb.

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Just sayin’…

27-11-2023

The past couple of weeks have been horrendous for many people. First and foremost for the friends and family of those people who died in the Daylesford accident.

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Under The Mop Top Tree

26-11-2023

Vanessa I. R. Craven is a poet, author, artist and singer-songwriter who lives in Daylesford having made a treechange from Melbourne where she worked as a health sciences librarian. She has built an eco-friendly house and enjoys living in this beautiful area.

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Deva launch at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria

26-11-2023

Former Glenlyon resident Jill de Vos has written a cat book. But this is not about any ordinary cat, nor an ordinary life.

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Boots & Bling for ChillOut Festival 2024

25-11-2023

ChillOut Festival, Australia's premier regional LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural festival, is back in 2024.

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How Tony takes the plunge, again and again

24-11-2023

If Tony Kelly didn’t exist, someone possibly would invent him.

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Call for parks and an end to logging

25-11-2023

More than 50 regional, state and national environment groups have signed an open letter to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, calling for an immediate end to logging in the west of Victoria and the legislation of three promised national parks.

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Days of the old school yard: Bullarto Primary celebrates 150 years

24-11-2023

Things were way different back in the 1940s when Graeme Orr attended the local Bullarto Primary School.

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149th Daylesford Show – November 25

24-11-2023

The first Daylesford Show was held in 1865 and, apart from interruptions for world wars and Covid in 2020 and 2021, has been held annually since then.

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Town ‘open for business’ post tragedy

24-11-2023

Daylesford and Hepburn Shire are definitely open for business and for visitors, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood says. Cr Hood said in the aftermath of the (November 5, Daylesford) accident many traders were left wondering if they should close, remain closed or be open for visitors and the vital tourism trade.

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Chorus tunes up for twilight market

24-11-2023

Those who get along to this Friday’s Creswick Twilight Market can expect to be transported, albeit temporarily, to the Seychelles, Timor and South Africa.

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‘Absolutely no-one’ trains for something like that…

23-11-2023

“Absolutely no-one goes to the (police) academy and trains for something like that.” They are the words of Golden Plains Hepburn operations manager Senior Sergeant Simon Brand almost two weeks after the accident which rocked the Daylesford community.

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All faith, no faith, everyone welcome…

23-11-2023

Three days after the accident, the churches of Daylesford came together to hold a Community Memorial Service. “All Faith - No Faith - Everyone is Welcome.”

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Connected by grief but united by love

23-11-2023

Narelle Groenhout, a journalist of many years, including with The Local, was enjoying a drink at the Daylesford Hotel on Sunday, November 5 when her life changed.

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Sometimes the universe…

23-11-2023

Sometimes the universe puts the right people in the right places – and on the day of the (tragic Daylesford) accident (Sunday, November 5) more than a dozen off-duty healthcare professionals from across the state were in the vicinity.

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Kyle’s Rant

12-11-2023

So, the No's have it. Well it was an overwhelming No in terms of The Voice vote, and it (The Voice) is probably doomed to being kicked down the road like an unwanted can.

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Walks of the Central Highlands…

12-11-2023

It’s a sterling Spring day, late October, as we set off to walk the nine kilometre Wombat Trail that sets out from Trentham’s pretty little Quarry Street Reserve.

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Just sayin’…

12-11-2023

It was a real shock to hear of the sudden death just last week of Serge Kislinsky. I hope you are not just reading it now in this column.

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Lest We Forget

11-11-2023

Daylesford RSL held a moving Remembrance Day service today, with two minutes' silence. One, at 11am, for those who lost their lives in World War I and one, just a little later, for those who lost their lives in last Sunday's terrible accident outside The Royal Hotel.

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Enjoying and creating a ritual of listening

11-11-2023

Final Edition is the creative practice of Craig Frankland: a teacher, designer and artist based on Dja Dja Wurrung land in Daylesford.

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Those halcyon days of the friendly fifties

10-11-2023

Garry Powell is a prolific author with nearly 20 published books to his credit including several local histories such as Double Gold, the History of Mount Franklin and District co-written with Janet MacDonald.

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Vale Tim Hayes

10-11-2023

Tim Hayes was a community leader and internationalist who rejuvenated the township of Clunes and saw its population double.

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Responsible building on bush blocks

09-11-2023

In a region such as the Central Highlands, the natural environment is what attracts people to this area, it sustains our tourism industry and by extension, the real estate market as people seek a more permanent escape from the city.

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Eganstown Cemetery: beautiful bush setting

09-11-2023

It was established in 1866 as the Blanket Flat Cemetery and in recent years, according to trust chairperson Loris Duclos, Eganstown General Cemetery has “really kicked some goals”.

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Going Ga Ga at Clunes

09-11-2023

For those of us who’d never heard of a “Ga Ga Pit”, the special ribbon-cutting occasion at Clunes Primary School last week provided a quick learning curve.

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Show goes on: Clunes to stage 160th country classic

09-11-2023

The 160th anniversary Clunes Show has been along time coming but it’s finally looking like all systems go for Saturday, November 18.

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Community mourns loss of much-loved Serge

08-11-2023

Popular Daylesford taxi driver Serge Kislinsky often told his daughter Natasha Waters he couldn’t visit the grandchildren in Melbourne because “the village needs me”.

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Pitch perfect..

08-11-2023

When it comes to playing soccer, many children learn bad habits. Lee Stevens wants to put them right. At 38, this Coomoora resident with two young children understands how some parents may struggle to coach their offspring.

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Counselling services in wake of weekend tragedy, Daylesford

07-11-2023

The Daylesford Interagency Response Group is extending its condolences to families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic weekend accident at Daylesford and wishes to reach out to any other members of the community impacted by the event.

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Ciao baby! What a Festa

01-11-2023

Locals and visitors celebrated the Hepburn region's Swiss Italian heritage over the weekend with a bumper turn-out for the Swiss Italian Festa.

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Central Vic Clay Trail

29-10-2023

Central Victoria is rightly celebrated for its wonderful food and accommodation, but the arts community is the beating heart of the region.

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Just sayin’…

28-10-2023

I think most people heard about the tragedy in Daylesford last week. An alleged robbery and someone dying as a consequence. I don't want to go into it more than that.

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Artists of the Central Highlands…

28-10-2023

Clunes-based artist Kate Edwards is especially renowned for her personality-packed ceramic pieces. Her talents have seen her work selected multiple times among the finalists in the Clunes Ceramics Award. Kate shares her passion for art by teaching at a local secondary college and her work has won this talented local creative plenty of fans who love the joyful nature of her original creations.

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Diverse landscapes, myriad towns & history

27-10-2023

Daylesford artist Brian Nash has produced a coffee table book, The Golden Shire – Locations and Surroundings of the Hepburn Shire.

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Daylesford Agricultural Show

27-10-2023

Planning for the 149th annual Daylesford and District Agricultural Show is well under way and the show committee is looking forward to a fantastic day at the Daylesford Showgrounds at Victoria Park, Daylesford on Saturday, November 25.

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Get ready for the Gathering…

26-10-2023

Organisers of this year’s Daylesford Highland Gathering are urging locals to get out in force and enjoy the long- running annual event.

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Daylesford hosts a visitor from Venice

26-10-2023

Daylesford is a long way from Venice, Italy but for 26 year old visiting Italian Christian Scaletta it’s an intriguing place to visit and work.

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Screen icon Bryan Brown heads to Daylesford

26-10-2023

Iconic Australian actor, Bryan Brown is headed to Daylesford for a cocktail event to discuss his new psychological thriller, The Drowning.

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Max is one in a million

25-10-2023

Daylesford stalwart Max Primmer was recognised for his tireless work in the community at the recent Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

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Secret is out as garden lovers weekend returns

25-10-2023

Garden lovers are in for a treat over the weekend over November 11-12 as Creswick Garden Club again stages the Creswick Garden Lovers’ weekend featuring top gardens in Creswick and surrounds.

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Vacancy on Macedon Ranges Shire Council

18-10-2023

A countback to fill an extraordinary vacancy on Macedon Ranges Shire Council for South Ward will be held online at 10 am on Monday 13 November. The vacancy is due to the resignation of councillor Anne Moore.

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New bore to be drilled at Daylesford’s Central Springs Reserve

18-10-2023

Work at Daylesford's Central Springs Reserve starts this week to prepare the site for the drilling of a new mineral springs bore.

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Fatality in Daylesford: man found dead on roadside

18-10-2023

A man who is believed to have tried to rob a muffin cafe in Daylesford has wound up dead on the side of the road.

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Just sayin’…

15-10-2023

I received some mail late last week. Snail mail. A padded envelope. Small. I opened it and inside was a blank piece of A4 paper. Nothing written on it, just a USB stick taped on. Hmmm, I thought. That's going to be interesting.

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Kyle’s Rant…

15-10-2023

The TV show “The Block” maybe coming to the Daylesford township, or at least it was coming to town until a few objectors, climbed onboard the “Leave our pretty town alone” train and stopped it in its tracks.

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Budburst Festival returns to Macedon Ranges

15-10-2023

There could hardly be a better way to welcome the quickening pulse of the season. All who are partial to a good wine will be keen to note that the famed Macedon Ranges Bud Burst Festival is back and happening over the weekend of Friday 17-Sunday 19 November.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

15-10-2023

Long established artist and observing Jew, Daylesford’s Bill Meyer can name a multitude of diverse career highlights. They range from a painting commission for the Werdiger family...

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Ageing well in every colour of the rainbow

14-10-2023

A free workshop is being offered to LGBTIQA+ people to help them plan to enjoy a fabulous older age.

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National human rights award for Creswick’s Tony Clark

14-10-2023

Creswick’s Tony Clark has received the inaugural Kimberley Kitching Human Rights Award at the recent ALP National Conference in Brisbane, using the opportunity to advocate strongly for a cause so dear to his heart.

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Keen to clog in Creswick

14-10-2023

Mention the word “clogging” and many will immediately visualise heavy Dutch clogs and maybe pitch in a mental windmill and a few tulips as well. Wrong.

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Hepburn’s Swiss Italian Festa returns

13-10-2023

Hepburn's Swiss Italian Festa is back after a three-year hiatus. From Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, the region will come alive with a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and lifestyle - with the theme Viva La Festa 23!

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Church wearing the Heart on its walls

13-10-2023

A word-art installation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart is all around the walls of St George’s, Trentham. Put up by locals, it was dedicated by Bishop Matt Brain, the Anglican Bishop of Bendigo, on September 24.

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Getting more women into golf at Hepburn

13-10-2023

The Hepburn Springs Golf Club is running a series of activities to encourage more women to play golf at the club.

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Be part of this year’s Aussie Bird Count

12-10-2023

It's almost time to dust off your bins and head out to your fav outdoor spot with notepad at the ready for Aussie Bird Count 2023.

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From Overwrought to Humoroos: entries roll in for upcoming art show

12-10-2023

Paintings. Well, on July 1 when art entries were invited, paintings began to flow in, soon afterwards however there was a hiatus. For someone new to this job that was a matter of concern despite the perpetual comments: Don’t worry they’ll all pile in on the last few days. So true – they did.

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Creswick concert

12-10-2023

Creswick Woollen Mills is set to be the backdrop for a unique medley of musical styles, ranging from classical chamber music and opera arias to jazz improvisations and atmospheric soundscapes, as a selection of the region’s most esteemed musicians converge for the Musical Threads: Performers for Patients Concert.

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Classic ‘win-win’: the inside story of WomenCAN

12-10-2023

Former corporate lawyer, Mikaela Stafrace, (pronounced Staffarachi) is clearly passionate as she discusses her role as founder and CEO of WomenCAN Australia. The highly motivated change-maker will be guest speaker at the upcoming U3A AGM taking place in Daylesford on October 16.

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Esoteric Jessica to play the Daylesford

11-10-2023

Boundary-flipping performer Jessica Lindsay Smith plays The Daylesford Hotel, live, next Saturday evening, October 21.

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Daylesford woman wins $60 million Powerball draw

11-10-2023

A Daylesford woman is an instant multimillionaire after winning last Thursday’s entire Powerball draw of $60 million.

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Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge

11-10-2023

If you've made plans for this evening - you may want to change 'em. Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine tonight, Wednesday, October 11.

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Celebrated saxophonist, pianist headed to the Daylesford

10-10-2023

Local music lovers are in for a sweet treat as award-winning musician and composer Ania Reynolds plays The Daylesford Hotel on Saturday evening, October 28.

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BABBA plays the Palais, Hepburn

10-10-2023

For 29 years, BABBA have been thrilling audiences with their superb re-creation of 70’s super group ABBA and the legacy of hits they gave us. Now they're headed to Hepburn to play The Palais this Saturday, October 14.

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Guildford firey Will ‘always happy to help’

08-10-2023

A CFA volunteer since the age of 14, Guildford Fire Brigade Firefighter Will Dodson is always happy to help.

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Jungle Jim Smith headed to the Daylesford

07-10-2023

Armed with a 3-string cigar box guitar, bottleneck slide, trusty 6-string and shed-built foot drums, Jungle Jim Smith is a one-man-electric-boogie-band based in the rolling hills of South Gippsland Prom Country.

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FOGO service to start next year, Hepburn households

02-10-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council will introduce a weekly kerbside collection of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) for township residents early next year in a move aimed at diverting thousands of tonnes of organic material from landfill

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Kyle’s Rant

01-10-2023

Initially I thought when the pandemic came into our worlds in March of 2020, it would leave by the end of that year.

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Just sayin’…

01-10-2023

Konnichi wa. Finally heading back to Japan after quite a few years away. Well, not until April but time does fly.

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Unearth some fine wine in Daylesford this Saturday

29-09-2023

With the Pyrenees Unearthed Festival now a must-attend annual event for many wine lovers, the region's wineries are taking the festival to the road.

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Clopping on: continuing the Clydesdale tradition

28-09-2023

The early development of Australia from its roads to farms would hardly have been possible without the contribution of heavy horses.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

28-09-2023

Renown for his photographic landscape studies and creation of gaze-grabbing images in the commercial realm, acclaimed Hepburn based photographer David Rosendale enjoys an ongoing love-affair with light and its transformative role in image-making. He currently has an exhibition taking place at Eastern Peake Winery Cellar Door, Coghills Creek as part of the wider Ballarat Foto Biennale happening now through to October 22.

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About to bloom: Musk gardens open day nears

28-09-2023

Two of the region’s premier gardens are preparing to open their gates to visitors for a fundraising picnic day on Saturday, November 18.

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Farewell to a woodchop champ: Vale Harold

28-09-2023

The state’s woodchopping sports fraternity is mourning the recent loss of one of its favourite locals, Korweinguboora’s Harold Suckling.

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Red Rebels taking action on climate crisis

27-09-2023

Central Vic Climate Action is hosting a number of events to encourage creative action in response to the escalating environmental crisis: a parade of Red Rebels, and screening of the film How to Blow Up a Pipeline.

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Cats coming to Creswick

27-09-2023

Cat and art lovers alike will be heading to the Creswick Town Hall this long weekend.

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Kyle’s Rant

17-09-2023

For those of you that have heard the story of The Local’s birth, you may find this read interesting as it is amazing how fact changes to fantasy with 10 years' history and perhaps a little embellishment under the belt.

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Just sayin’…

17-09-2023

Wow, 10 years. It is a cliché but it really does feel like yesterday that we put together a little Word document and wandered the streets asking if people would like to advertise in it. For some reason many did. And thanks to them the first edition came out on September 2, 2013.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

16-09-2023

Glenlyon's Julie Coyle, one of the many artists taking part in the upcoming Rotary Daylesford Art Show, says her artistic style leans towards abstraction and certainly impressionism. She looks for an emotional response to the landscape. Julie spared some time to tell The Local a bit about her creative practice.

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Dogs’day out at Dean Recreation Reserve

15-09-2023

For champion sheepdog trainer John Tuddenham, training winning woofers is a bit like educating smart children.

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Sharing your stories

15-09-2023

Patricia Kent was born in London in the mid 1940s and spent her childhood years playing in the bombed rubble of the East End. She read the book A Town Like Alice when she was a teenager and knew that she wanted to live in Australia. She emigrated to Adelaide in 1968.

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Daylesford Rotary celebrates 70 years of giving

15-09-2023

It’s been 70 great years of doing good deeds in the community – and beyond - for Daylesford Rotary and right now this longstanding local service club is getting set to celebrate in style.

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Wombat State Park on its way, finally

14-09-2023

Signs are emerging that the long-promised Wombat State Park may become a reality.

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Queries on charity housing

14-09-2023

A woman living in a unit owned by the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society, says she has been knocked back after asking for a permanently open louvre bathroom window to be replaced with something she can close.

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Maverick, the Clydesdale, leaves a huge legacy

14-09-2023

Maverick, the Clydesdale, has died at the age of 25 after a long battle with cancer.

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10 years Connecting the Community!

13-09-2023

The Local is celebrating 10 years of following its mantra of Connecting the Community. The first edition hit the presses for a publication date of September 2, 2013 and The Local is now up to 288 editions.

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Integrate Fitness team at Kettlebell Nationals

13-09-2023

The Integrate Fitness Kettlebell Team, aka the Daylesford Swingers, headed to Brisbane for the 2023 GSAA Australian National KettlebellKettlebell, Beth Whiting, Championships held over September 2 and 3.

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Oscar LaDell & the Earth Tones to play the Palais

12-09-2023

US-born blues and soul singer Oscar LaDell brings his band The Earth Tones for their first appearance at Palais-Hepburn later this month.

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Art Gallery of Ballarat visitation on the rise

11-09-2023

There has been a significant rise in visitor numbers to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, showing a positive trend in audiences returning post COVID.

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Distant south plays the Daylesford

10-09-2023

The Distant South plays The Daylesford Hotel next Saturday September 16.

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Puppy survives 25 metre fall, rescued from Maldon mine shaft

09-09-2023

A multi-agency rescue effort has saved a puppy from a mine shaft at Maldon in recent days.

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CresFest 2023 named finalist in Australian Folk Music Awards

09-09-2023

Creswick is celebrating after its comparatively new home-grown folk music festival CresFest was announced as a finalist in the prestigious Australian Folk Music Awards.

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Sick pay guarantee for casuals, contractors

08-09-2023

The state government says it's helping more casual and contract workers access sick and carer’s pay, increasing the number of jobs covered by the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee and extending the pilot until March 2025.

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Invite to be part of new carbon offset project

07-09-2023

Community Carbon is a new pilot project aimed at delivering local revegetation planting to generate carbon offsets while also providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to the local community. Local landholders and other residents are being invited to be involved.

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Alternative sport and active recreation site proposed for Clunes

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Container deposit scheme machine installed at Daylesford

06-09-2023

A Reverse Vending Machine for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been installed in East Street, Daylesford.

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Draft masterplans released for Queens and Pioneer Parks in Clunes: feedback sought

10-09-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has released draft masterplans for Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes and is inviting the community to have a say on the future direction of these important community sites.

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Just sayin’…

03-09-2023

Had some interesting chats with Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas and Mayor Brian Hood last week.

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Kyle’s Rant

03-09-2023

Every year for the past 39 years, since I was 17, I have done a first aid course. The first one was for my skipper's ticket which involved a little bit more than your average, what is now day course, plus home study.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

03-09-2023

Rose Wilson’s prodigious artistic talent for creating captivating portraiture has seen her make the finals of some of the nation’s most prestigious arts awards including the Archibald Prize. This acclaimed Trentham artist is also renown for her impressionistic paintings paying homage to the natural environment and to the living creatures that inhabit it.

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Good life down on the woollen mill farm

02-09-2023

It’s a job many would envy and Creswick Woollen Mill’s Farmer Maddy says it’s one she’s not about to swap for a desk any day soon.

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Here’s cheers: Great times ahead at The Pig

02-09-2023

Eammon Hamilton was determined when he set about securing kitchen maestro Joel Reilly to be head chef at the Pig&Whistle.

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Creswick Chorus in concert for healthy cause

02-08-2023

The Creswick Chorus is one of several local singing groups looking forward to being part this month's Stand By Me concert happening 1.30pm-3.30pm at Ballarat’s York Street Church of Christ York Street Ballarat, Sunday September 10.

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Rotary launches 2023 Daylesford Art Show

01-09-2023

Daylesford Rotary is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 Daylesford Art Show to be held between November 2 and 7 in the Daylesford Town Hall.

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The Local turns 10

01-09-2023

Check out our big budget movie, the journey has been long and short...

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Art of record covers: new competition launched

01-09-2023

Daylesford Records, in collaboration with The Local, is announcing a new art competition to be held under the auspices of the Daylesford Art Show.

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Bad behaviour called out as council staff targetted

01-08-2023

Aggressive behaviour towards Hepburn Shire Council staff is on the increase and reaching unprecedented levels.

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Warning on dog security after wildlife mauled

01-09-2023

A Daylesford resident has asked dog owners and drivers to be more aware of wildlife, after a kangaroo and its joey were found mauled to death on a local property.

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Train to become a rainbow community angel

31-08-2023

Locals are being offered the opportunity to become Rainbow Community Angels to enable them to take part in peaceful actions to support community safety at LGBTIQA+ inclusive events with a special training event happening in Kyneton this Saturday.

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Amanda to compete in Deaf Bowls Champs, Scotland

31-08-2023

Hepburn’s Amanda Care is heading off to Scotland to compete in the International Deaf Bowls Championships.

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Perfect to make art pundits purr: cat art comes to Creswick

31-08-2023

Cats Come To Creswick Art Show, will be held at the Creswick Town Hall from Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1, and raise funds for a new bus for John Curtin Aged Care.

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The need for speed: Pacific Airshow packs sensory overload

31-08-2023

The inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was a sensory overload. The show sported aerobatic aircraft from the mid-sized two airplanes in one, a super loud Yak 110 and the huge C-130 Hercules through to my favourite, the air ripping F/A-18 Super Hornet’s handling display.

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Blues and roots-style: Manning plays the ‘maine

30-08-2023

A veteran of the music industry in Australia, Phil Manning has been at the forefront of blues and roots style music for over five decades, first coming to public attention as a member of the now legendary Chain, a rock/blues band of the sixties and seventies, which still performs to this day.

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Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa back for 2023

30-08-2023

Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa returns in 2023, with a three-day celebration of community, heritage, culture and lifestyle starting Friday, October 27.

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Chance to jump on board community carbon project

24-08-2023

Hepburn shire locals who are passionate about the environment and who want to take action on climate change are being invited to get involved in a significant native planting program.

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Top piano talent plays Daylesford Town Hall

23-08-2023

Local music lovers are in for a rare treat as world renown pianist Leslie Howard is giving a once-off afternoon matinee concert in Daylesford next month to support Creswick Health's hospital and aged care upgrades.

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State government buys Hanging Rock’s East Paddock

23-08-2023

The state government has purchased Hanging Rock’s East Paddock and released a new masterplan to further protect the cultural significance of the cherished destination.

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Pacific Air Show 2023

22-08-2023

The inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was a sensory overload. The show sported aerobatic aircraft from the mid-sized two airplanes in one, a super loud Yak110 and the huge C-130 Hercules through to my favourite the air ripping F/A-18 Super Hornet’s handling display.

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Grants program opens for wildlife shelters, carers

21-08-2023

The state government says it's backing Victoria’s wildlife rescue volunteers so that sick, injured and orphaned native animals get the support they need.

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Artists of the Central Highlands … with Eve Lamb

20-08-2023

An enduring love affair with the Australian landscape, its power and diversity, underscores the work of much-collected Daylesford painter and printmaker Greg Mallyon. Greg’s abstract topographical images are inspired by an aerial perspective and his life story includes constant study, travel and rich exposure to European, Asian, Middle Eastern and our own Indigenous cultures. The many arts awards that this talented local creative has collected along the way include the 2021 National Capital Art Prize for Landscape and the Digital Art Award for the 2023 Queenscliff Art Prize.

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Just sayin’…by Donna Kelly

20-08-2023

WORDS in Winter is coming up soon - end of August - so I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and my own love of words.

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Rosendale exhibition: part of Ballarat International Foto Biennale

19-08-2023

Emerging out of the Covid ramifications of late 2021, Hepburn Shire resident and photographic artist, David Rosendale - synonymous for capturing the Alpine regions of Australia - turned his lens to the local Daylesford and Hepburn landscape, as a direct response to travel restrictions.

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That’s a lot of bull!

19-08-2023

Trentham's John and Sue Harvey, on the cusp of their retirement, are delighted with the recent news that a son of their bull Torr Down Marvel 3, AI Z Providence Dr Octopus (pictured above) has won Supreme Exhibit and South Devon Breed Champion at the UK National Show.

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37 plays, 97 minutes, 3 actors

18-08-2023

In the past 51 years The Mount Players have never performed any of Shakespeare's plays - but that is being quickly rectified.

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Friday’s time to ‘get your uke on’ in Clunes

18-08-2023

It’s Friday on a chill mid winter afternoon in Clunes but the sounds emanating from the town’s Attitude building have a distinctly sunny edge. The weekly ukulele group gathering is in progress.

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Trio to be honoured at Rotary’s 70th party

18-08-2023

Tourism stalwarts Carol White, Tina Banitska and Alla Wolf-Tasker, will be the guests of honour when the Rotary Club of Daylesford celebrates its 70th anniversary next month.

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Soccer victory for Daylesford College junior girls

17-08-2023

Not to be outdone by The Matildas, Daylesford College junior girls soccer team was victorious in the Greater Western Region finals, earlier this month.

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Treehouse4Two: retreat for dementia couples

17-08-2023

A diagnosis of dementia can be incredibly upsetting, and unfortunately the incidence of this lethal disease is rising across Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires.

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Words to warm up this winter

17-08-2023

In the 1990s, Em Ireland ran open mic events, combining poetry and music. Now, as director of the Words in Winter event, Em has loved calling in poets and friends "from back in the day" to be a part of the community festival, held on August 25, 26 and 27.

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Keep the legend simmering

17-08-2023

In his day yesteryear Creswick identity Simon (Simmy) McDonald was something of a household name in folk music circles.

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Stop the Towers rally reaches Spring Street

16-08-2023

A STOP the Towers rally went all the way to the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street, yesterday Tuesday, August 15.

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Vale Graeme Johnstone 18.01.1946 – 30.07.2023

16-08-2023

The central Victorian goldfields township of Clunes is mourning the loss of community stalwart, Graeme Johnstone.

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The Local Podcast August 14 edition

12-08-2023

The latest Local Podcast is now on our website where we discuss what is in the next edition of The Local

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Council turns to community to drive towns’ future

11-08-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is seeking volunteers to join a Community Engagement Pool to provide input into the future of the shire’s townships.

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Wild horse shooting proposal for Kosciuszko National Park

10-08-2023

The Invasive Species Council has welcomed Monday's announcement that the NSW government is consulting on changes to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan to allow aerial shooting as a method to reduce feral horse numbers.

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The Lyonville bake off is back

09-08-2023

It's time to hit the kitchen and get practicing for the Lyonville Bake Off.

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Sense of community: rural brigade hosts open day

09-08-2023

Hepburn Rural Fire Brigade has hosted a community open day with the introduction of a new light tanker to its fleet - and a special commemoration.

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The Block in Daylesford?

06-08-2023

A PLANNING application for five dwellings at 1 Raglan Street, Daylesford, has people wondering if it is the site of next year’s series of television show The Block.

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Warming fare at Guildford

06-08-2023

Want to warm up for winter? Head to the Guilly. A friendly family pub just this side of Castlemaine. The pub is well back up and running after a little incident, ok, they had a small fire, and ready to receive locals and visitors alike.

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Your say…

05-08-2023

RE Just Sayin'… – July 3, 2023 Issue 283 I enjoy and appreciate The Local, thank you for providing this free publication. I look forward to getting to the back pages of The Local so that I can be annoyed or buoyed by Kyle’s rant, and entertained, informed and at times provoked by your Just Sayin’… column.

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Threads offering fabulous free styling workshops

05-08-2023

A grant from the Empowering Communities Fund through the City of Ballarat and Department of Justice and Community Safety means Cafs (Child & Family Services, Ballarat) Thread Together is delivering two free styling workshops specifically aimed at members of the LGBTIQA+ community, offering a safe and supportive environment to celebrate and embrace individuality.

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Clarksdalesfordians – a musical exchange

05-08-2023

CLARKSDALE is a town of 15,000 in the US state of Mississippi and considered by many music aficionados to be an important part of the development of blues music.

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WIW’s On The Couch with Beck Lister

05-08-2023

Planning is well under way for next month’s Words in Winter and Beck Lister will be hitting the couch on Sunday, August 27 with three guest artists.

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Winter sounds returns for more

04-08-2023

Following its sell-out success last year, Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford in August with a great line-up of Australian artists performing in a range of local venues.

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Artists of the Central Highlands …

04-08-2023

Daylesford’s Brian Nash has long captivated art lovers with his powerful interpretations of the world around him, particularly landscape. Right now his work, together with that of photographer Bec Walker, is part of a feature exhibition showing at the Convent Gallery. In recent days, Brian generously shared his time with journalist Eve Lamb to provide some insights into his creative process, sources of inspiration, and life as a professional artist.

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The Old Heppy to become someone’s home

04-08-2023

LOVED by many for its music, eccentricity and atmosphere, the Old Hepburn Hotel upset many locals when the taps were turned off and doors shut three years ago.

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Sharing your stories …

04-08-2023

TRENTHAM'S Mary Walsh describes herself as a simple Irish girl, from a farming family, in Brideswell. She doesn’t like talking about herself and her mum used to say “self praise is no praise”. Even still, we had so much to talk about and the essence and wisdom of Mary Walsh was abundant.

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Good grub – gratis – beats the belly rumbles

03-08-2023

Potato and bacon soup, baked ham with roast seasonal veg, piping hot apple and rhubarb pie with cream... I could be at a cafe, pub or restaurant – or a good friend’s place about to be fed. But no I’m in the Uniting Church Hall on a Thursday surrounded by the Good Grub Club’s good deeds in action... and it’s all pretty yummo.

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French festivities fill Daylesford town hall

03-08-2023

The Daylesford Town Hall was decorated in red, white and blue and alive with the festive music of France, and other parts of Europe too, for the annual Quatorze Juillet celebrations conducted by the Hepburn Shire U3A French Group and the Daylesford Community Brass Band.

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Viva the vinyl retro revolution

03-08-2023

There’s a moment of aural frisson, the needle dropping, the prelude crackle just before the soundwaves hit and transport you to...

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Long walk to leave limbo

03-08-2023

Keep an eye out and you may just spot him hiking along the chilly, muddy Hepburn Shire roads this week.

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Researching sonic boom times at Werona

02-08-2023

THE world is a strange place. Even after most of the earth has been explored, mapped and explained there is always something weird which can rattle our peace of mind.

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Those sweet strings of Klemantyne Ensemble

02-08-2023

Fans of strings music will be well pleased to see that Ballarat-based Klemantyne Ensemble, have a few performances in the Daylesford-Ballarat region on their agenda.

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Words in winter gala with special guest Jon Faine

01-08-2023

It may be brrrisk out but in The Palais, Hepburn things will likely be pretty cosy as the venue hosts this month's Words in Winter Gala with special guest Jon Faine.

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Podcast – The Local July 31 2023

30-07-2023

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Tenzin Choegyal to play the Palais, Hepburn

29-07-2023

Tenzin’s message is uplifting and his joyfulness is infectious. Acknowledged as one of the world's finest Tibetan musicians, Tenzin Choegyal’s cantering rhythms, soaring vocals and exquisite flute solos have enchanted audiences around the globe and next month they'll enchant plenty of local music lovers at The Palais, Hepburn.

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Revamped Arts Prize – Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival

26-07-2023

Enter your artwork in the Art & Photography Competition to go in the running to win $1,700 in prizes with our new categories!

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Free workshops to beat the chill … and the heating bill

27-07-2023

Hepburn shire locals feeling the chill are being encouraged to get along to a workshop to find out how to cut their heating bills by making your home more thermally efficient.

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Hepburn awards $500,000 road patching contract

26-07-2023

Hepburn Shire Council says it's continuing to invest in roads across the shire with a $500,000 road patching contract awarded at its Ordinary Meeting last week.

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Farewell Jim Crow: gathering recognises creek renaming

24-07-2023

Around 50 people came together last Tuesday at a special event to celebrate the renaming of Jim Crow Creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk at the picturesque creek bank at Franklinford

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Kyle’s Rant

24-07-2023

WHEN I first started turning out these rants 10 years ago, the best subject matter I could dream up was potholes, drivers and idiots.

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Just sayin’…

24-07-2023

I have run a couple of briefs, back on page 11 (of the latest hard copy edition of The Local) if you want a look, about a positive ageing expo and another program called Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn. As in Hepburn Shire.

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Contra Guitar Duo

23-07-2023

Queensland-based Contra Guitar Duo – Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay Gallenti-Guilfoyle will close the Newstead Arts Hub winter program on Saturday, July 29.

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Flavour and flair at the Daylesford Bowlo

23-07-2023

It's always a great meal at the Daylesford Bowling Club. It starts with a warm welcome as you walk in, sometimes from the manager Neil, or the bar staff, and the good vibes continue.

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Bills but no service

22-07-2023

COMPLAINTS about in-home aged care provider, Benetas, continue to rise with concerns the organisation is sending out bills even when a service is not provided.

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A little black magic

20-07-2023

Theirs is a tale of taking a punt and following that inner vision. For Springmount couple Carmel and Brett Masterson it’s the sort of story that anyone dreaming of a new life direction and of becoming their own boss really likes to hear.

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Artists of the central Highlands

20-07-2023

Castlemaine’s Neil Tait has built up an admiring following for his artistry when it comes to decorative ironwork. This local creative – ably assisted by his team – designs and creates wrought iron pieces that are aesthetically pleasing works of art which frequently also serve the most functional of purposes.

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Care to tango: Ballroom dance beats the winter blues

19-07-2023

You know those couples. The ones who, when called upon, can trot out a mean foxtrot, waltz or tango at the rellies’ wedding while you – er – improvise...

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A wonderful wartangu

19-07-2023

There was a fair bit of wartangu happening at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre as part of an occasion worth celebrating recently.

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Council responds to Commonwealth Games cancellation

24-07-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is "disappointed" at the recent shock decision by the Victorian Government to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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From Motown to the Blues Bros: sweet soul music to play The Palais

17-07-2023

MOTOR CITY SOUNDS will be bringing their tribute to the greats of soul music to The Palais-Hepburn next month.

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The Local Podcast July 17, 2023

16-07-2023

The Local crew talk about what to expect in the upcoming edition of The Local

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Big show coming up for Little Gallery

09-07-2023

The Little Gallery in Trentham is no stranger to fundraising as over the past 11 years of its existence it has donated proceeds from its many exhibitions to local charities and interstate communities in need.

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Kyle’s Rant

08-07-2023

Humans on mase are filthy creatures, by and large their time is taken up by the need to constantly tend to their orifices.

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Just sayin’…

08-07-2023

I WAS going to write about The Voice. It seemed appropriate given this week is NAIDOC Week. I know, National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week. I guess one day was not enough.

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Artists of the Central Highlands …

08-07-2023

Formerly Sister Maleita, serving as a nun with a French Order in New Zealand, Daylesford’s Millie Gouldthorpe came to painting later in life than many, but once she did – Oh Boy! The canvas really exploded. Millie’s style which emerged in a torrent of creativity during the time of COVID lockdowns is vibrant, abstract expressionist, and the way she revels in the sheer joy of colour is all the more fabulous for the fact that she is classified as blind due to the development of a degenerative eye condition. When she makes art, sometimes literally in the dark, this local arts talent almost seems to be channelling some higher force.

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Words in Winter guest speaker Jon Faine

07-07-2023

Jon Faine left the ABC after 20 years as morning radio host in September 2019 – just a few months before Covid hit.

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Warm welcome at the Daylesford Steakhouse

07-07-2023

On a recent chill winter’s evening, just after dark, the mellow light that issues from our dining destination – the Daylesford Steakhouse - is warm and inviting.

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More in-home care concerns come forward

06-07-2023

More people have contacted The Local to speak out against in-home care provider, Benetas.

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Produce with passion at Meraki Organic Farm

06-07-2023

Italian born Daniele Tarasco brings a personal passion for fresh, flavoursome food and his background as a high-end chef to running Meraki certified organic farm at Newlyn North.

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World championship wins for Daylesford’s Beth Whiting

06-07-2023

Daylesford's Beth Whiting has returned from the World Kettlebell Sport Federation championships in Hungary - with a swag of medals.

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Focus on completing capital works as council adopts $59Million budget

06-07-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted a $59 million budget for 2023/2024, with investment focused on completing major capital works and delivering services to the community.

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Order of Australia for staunch advocate

05-07-2023

“Grateful” is the way Clunes local, proud Yorta Yorta and Barkandji woman, Karen Heap humbly described being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

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Local ‘gold’ shines in ABC’s Gold Diggers

05-07-2023

There’s bound be quite a few local households glued to their teev screens for this evening's premiere screening of new ABC comedy series Gold Diggers.

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The Local Podcast for the July 3 edition

01-07-2023

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Kyle’s Rant

24-06-2023

I AM seriously concerned about the price of living and the potential recession we have on our hands, and I don’t get it.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

23-06-2023

Armed with a personal attitude that “life is too short” Karima Baadilla ditched professional accounting to pursue her passion for art, and swapped life in the inner city for a tree-change at Clunes on the old central Victorian goldfields. She is now a multi-media artist whose prints create a narrative of everyday life, migrant identity and community that is fresh, vibrant and tends to bring instant cheer.

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Leeanne socks it to us

22-06-2023

Finding an enterprise that makes beautiful handmade socks in every colour of the rainbow in Clunes is really not so odd.

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All about women who launch… and brunch

22-06-2023

Daylesford’s Women to the Front launched into the world in style on International Women’s Day back in March and is now busy preparing for it’s next local event in August.

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On air: The Local podcast is back

22-06-2023

The Local is hitting the airwaves with the return of its Country Life podcast.

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Being seen … for a career in ophthalmology

21-06-2023

DR SANDRA Staffieri has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine as an orthoptist and vision researcher, and to paediatric ophthalmology.

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King’s Birthday honour for Anneke Deutsch

21-06-2023

DAYLESFORD’S Anneke Deutsch has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community.

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The Local Podcast June 19

15-06-2023

The Latest wrapup of what's inside the June 19 edition of The Local

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Service to medicine recognised

13-06-2023

Dr Sandra Staffieri has been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine as an orthoptist and vision researcher, and to paediatric ophthalmology.

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Award for community service

12-06-2023

Daylesford’s Anneke Deutsch has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community.

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Greater purpose in growing clean, healthy food

WHEN Edward Benedict lived in a bedsit in East Melbourne, his neighbours called him The Farmer. He had a small patch opposite the MCG, where his veggies grew and grew and grew.

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Equal the Contest to premiere at documentary film fest

09-06-2023

When documentary maker Mitch Nivalis contacted The Local a little way back requesting use of an article the paper had published in 2017, editor Donna Kelly was happy to oblige.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

09-06-2023

The creations of Creswick artist blacksmith Ernie Terry are the sort of pieces that stop people in their tracks and start conversations. Forged from fire, steel and beautifully burnished copper - among other metals - they’re imposing, frequently life-sized and capture a fiery elemental energy that’s been winning this local creative plenty of fans and commissions – functional and purely aesthetic - ever since he opened his Lucky Monkey Blacksmith workshop and gallery at Creswick in fairly recent times.

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New EV charge station up and running at Creswick

08-06-2023

EV drivers have been well pleased to discover that the new fast charge station at Creswick is finally up and running. For some it can make the difference between getting home – or not.

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Gold in them there world heritage bids: UNESCO bid boosted

06-06-2023

The Victorian Goldfields UNESCO World Heritage bid has been given a hefty boost thanks to $3.8 million announced in the Victorian budget for championing Victoria’s outstanding heritage.

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The Local Podcast

04-06-2023

We unwrap what to expect in the next edion of The Local

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Council to ‘advocate strongly’ for alternative VNI West route as ‘concerns’ remain

04-06-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council will continue to 'advocate strongly' for an alternative to the route currently preferred for the Victoria New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project, mayor Cr Brian Hood says.

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A little help to de-tox the home, free event at Daylesford

03-06-2023

Hepburn shire locals are about to get a little help and added incentive to clean out those unwanted household chemicals from their sheds, cupboards and under their sinks and dispose of them safely at Sustainability Victoria’s free Detox your Home event.

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Get cracking to clinch a biodiversity grant

03-05-2023

Time is running out to apply for a grant through the Hepburn Shire Council to help conserve biodiversity in the shire.

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Single use plastic gets the chop at Macedon Ranges

01-06-2023

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has adopted a new Single-use Plastic Policy, among a number of significant decisions made by the councillors at last Thursday night’s May council meeting.

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Kyle’s Rant

29-05-2023

Recently we got ChatGPT to write up a piece of editorial, which it quite frankly penned from its electronic anus. See below.

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Silent film gets new life at doco fest

28-05-2023

ALMOST century-old silent masterpiece of documentary filmmaking will be given new life next month when an acclaimed singer performs a “sound-track”.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

27-05-2023

Acclaimed arts couple Julie McKenzie and Malcolm King (above) have further enriched the Hepburn Shire’s rich arts scene after moving here from interstate last year. Julie is particularly renowned for her landscapes and Malcolm for his travel poster works. They are both widely collected and exhibited, and their studio has screen-printed works for some of the biggest names in Australian contemporary art.

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Cheers for Hares at Denver

26-05-2023

Black-faced Suffolk sheep graze in Denver, with alpacas not far away. Nearby the grape-stripped vines are shutting down.

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Hepburn shire releases $59.10 million draft budget for feedback

25-05-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has released its $59.10 million draft budget for 2023-24, which is now open for community feedback.

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Neighbourhood house begins new chapter for historic library building

25-05-2023

The permanent relocation of Clunes Neighbourhood House to the town’s former Free Lending Library Building is poised to breathe new life into one of the town’s historically significant sites, invigorating the CBD as well.

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Sharing and repairing: more fixers welcome

25-05-2023

Creswick’s upcoming Repair and Share event is pretty much what the name suggests.

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Creswick Theatre Co does Arsenic and Old Lace

24-05-2023

Creswick Theatre Company has been having a wickedly good time preparing to stage dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace.

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’60s Parisian detective, meets dystopian desert cowgirl…

23-05-2023

Transportive and with a penchant for drama, Taylah Carroll wants to lay the world before her listener; a world she characterises neatly as: “a 60s Parisian detective, meets dystopian desert cowgirl”.

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The Local Podcast

21-05-2023

See what's making news in the latest Local Podcast

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Creswick’s Hammon Park Trailhead opening

17-05-2023

In Creswick Martha Haylett MP opened the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick on May 5. To celebrate, the Hepburn Shire Council is now inviting local residents to "join the fun at the Dirty Pig and Whistle ride event at Hammon Park on Saturday 20 May".

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To mask or not to mask – in healthcare settings.

14-05-2023

Ochre Medical in Clunes and Creswick continues with its mask wearing policy which will be reassessed after winter.

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Loving aged care role

13-05-2023

Mahilpreet Singh (pictured above) moved to Australia from India in 2020 - just in time for Covid lockdowns.

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LGBTIQA+ ‘swag of events’

13-05-2023

The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities across Central Victoria are being highlighted through a swag of events supported by the state government.

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Bee-sotted! How a backyard hobby became a business

13-05-2023

How does someone go from having just two bee hives to having 80? Don’t ask Clunes’ Graeme Grigson because he doesn’t know how it happened.

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Hymn and Her will bring good vibes to old bush church

12-05-2023

Hymn and Her Ensemble will perform at Yandoit Cultural, the old church in the bush at Uniting Church Road, on Saturday, May 20 from 4pm.

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Daylesford Foundation lends helping hand

12-05-2023

BACKED by a scholarship from the Daylesford Foundation, Hepburn resident 19-year-old Lucinda Lowe had the stress removed from her travel equation as she tackled a double diploma course last year.

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Bold as brass

12-05-2023

Daylesford, Creswick and Western brass bands will present Soundtrack of the Globe in Daylesford on Saturday, May 20.

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Foraging free: where the wild food is found

12-05-2023

Fancy a wild pine mushroom risotto? A crisp dandelion and wild brassica salad? Or an elderberry cocktail perhaps?

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Buried child: ‘one hell of a script’

11-05-2023

The Mount Players' second production for 2023 is Buried Child written by Sam Shepard. It was first presented in 1978 and won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for drama, launching Shepard to national fame as a playwright.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

11-05-2023

HEPBURN Springs artist Lisa Gervasoni is renowned for her imposing abstract landscape works. As a child she was fascinated with geographical and street maps. Her passion for cartography persisted into adulthood informing her preoccupation with land and the many layers of value it holds. Today this abiding interest informs both her professional work as a strategic and town planner and the creation of her imposing art works, some of which are about to feature in her new exhibition, Reimagining our Cultural Landscapes, held from today, May 11 to June 25, at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

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Long wait – but Nicole set to return to Statewide Drive

11-05-2023

ABC Statewide Drive presenter Nicole Chvastek is on leave but will return in six weeks, ABC spokesperson John Woodward has told The Local.

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IDAHOBIT Day

11-05-2023

Kyneton will show its support for the LGBTIQA+ community next week as it raises the rainbow flag to mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Wednesday, May 17.

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Beth headed to Hungary for world champs

10-05-2023

DAYLESFORD'S Beth Whiting is heading to Hungary next month to take part in the World Kettlebell Sport Federation championships.

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Daylesford’s Victory Vapes owner slams new laws

10-05-2023

The owner of Daylesford Victory Vapes says the federal government decision to crack down on the sale of vapes will put him and his wife out of the family business they’ve run for a decade.

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Sally and the Idiomatics play The Palais

10-05-2023

Playing live at The Palais, Hepburn Springs this Friday evening, May 12, Sally Ford and the Idiomatics sing of life, love and lived experience.

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Leonard’s Hill 47th Annual Baby Show was held on Saturday, May 6.

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The Local May 8 2023 Podcast

06-05-2023

Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly take you through what to expect in the next edition of The Local

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Shadey activity at Cairn Curran Sailing Club

29-04-2023

Community Bank Maldon & District chairman Ross Eggleton visited the Cairn Curran Sailing Club on Saturday to meet members and see the club’s newly installed shade sail.

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Bloomin’ beautiful

29-04-2023

FLOWERS are good for the soul. So says Lyonville’s Janae Paquin-Bowden. And she should know.

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Concert in the old Yandoit church

28-04-2023

Ceridwen McCooey and Darcy King, above, will return to Yandoit Cultural, the old church in the bush - for a concert on Saturday, May 6 from 6pm.

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A golfing win for local health

28-04-2023

THE Harry & Peggy Maddicks Golf Day, held on April 14, raised just under $14,000 for medical equipment and facility upgrades at Daylesford Health.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

28-04-2023

TRENTHAM'S Morag Turner hails originally from Lanarkshire, Scotland and it was her love of art that led to her completing a degree in textile design which then led to her moving to Australia. Today she’s inspired by the landscape and natural beauty she sees around her. But this well-established local artist is equally at home turning her talent to life drawing and portraiture, and to realism or abstractionism.

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Living legend Tim Winton’s love letter to a reef

28-04-2023

BESTSELLING author Tim Winton is coming to the region with a message of hope: good information and organisation can stop destruction of our world.

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Creswick EV: No movement at the station

27-04-2023

Two months after it was scheduled for activation the new public EV charge station at Creswick remains yet to be activated.

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Beck’s simple message: #Checkyourboob

27-04-2023

BECK Lewis has breast cancer, but she doesn’t want your sympathy. She wants you to check your boobs. And that’s you blokes as well.

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Good Friday Appeal, the wash-up

27-04-2023

The rain pelted down but the staunch team of volunteers were not to be beaten as they sloshed about, collecting for this month’s Good Friday Appeal on the main street of Daylesford.

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Statewide Drive, Nicole ‘temporarily replaced’

27-04-2023

ABC Radio has “temporarily” replaced weekday regional program Statewide Drive with Melbourne Drive.

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Three courses of community spirit

26-04-2023

THE 5000 Club's newly elected president, Sandy Breen, says she has big shoes to fill.

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The Distance South to launch debut self-titled album at the Palais

26-04-2023

Combining the earthiness of folk, the lament of country and the authenticity of stories that you just know are true, The Distant South have been sweating it out in some of Victoria’s best venues over the last 2 years - honing their sound and their songs to the delight of a growing audience.

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ANZAC Day 2023 (Daylesford)

25-04-2023

Anzac 2023 (Daylesford)

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Leith brings his most requested to the Palais

25-04-2023

It's been 16 years since Damien won over Australia’s heart, taking out the 2006 series of Australian Idol.

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Anzac Day Services around the shire

18-04-2023

Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkiye on April 25, 1915. The date was the start of the major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand troops during World War I.

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Wine notes

17-04-2023

Some of the first gamay vines were planted in Australia by Len Evans in 1976 at his aptly named home, Loggerheads. I remember driving past the vines on the way to see him and questioning his sanity. “You obviously don’t have vision,” was his tart reply.

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Kyle’s Rant

17-04-2023

WHEN you live in the district for a while, as with my experience living here since 2005, you see life change, particularly as people age.

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Just sayin’…

17-04-2023

THIS is a public service announcement. Ladies, check your boobs.

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Legends: Eastoe and Murray drop a new life track

16-04-2023

FROM supporting Pink Floyd and featuring on Countdown to doing guitar for The Wiggles, the combined experience of local musos Gilly Eastoe and Terry Murray is the stuff of legend.

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Two gardens open their gates in Trentham

14-04-2023

Two private Trentham gardens will open their gates on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 as part of the Open Gardens Victoria scheme.

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Bushwalker rescued from mine at Sailors Fall

14-04-2023

A bushwalker in his 30s was rescued after falling down a mineshaft near Sailors Falls on Sunday morning, April 2.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

14-04-2023

AN ONGOING love affair with all things Italian informs the aesthetic in the much collected and admired work of Daylesford artist Brian Reberger. Each year, Brian spends time working in his studios in both Daylesford and Umbria, Italy. Now he’s preparing for a significant exhibition coming up at Steps Gallery in Carlton in May.

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Community vet clinic to open this year

13-04-2023

The Regional Community Vet Clinic has been awarded $50,000 from the federal government in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

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Clayton’s story-telling dream

13-04-2023

FILM director and producer Clayton Jacobson loves to tell a good story. And when he comes to the Central Highlands region to play double bass in the Duck Downpickers he can cultivate the emotional connections of story telling with his audience.

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New public art installed at Glenlyon Dam

12-04-2023

THE Drop, a $30,000 Hepburn Shire Council public art commission by artist Yu Fang Chi, has been installed at the Glenlyon Dam.

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Ground-breaking AI defamation case

13-04-2023

Gordon Legal has launched a ground-breaking defamation claim against OpenAI’s ChatGPT on behalf of Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brian Hood.

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As happy as…

12-04-2023

THE sky rolls wide and blue above Pig and Earth, a sustainable free-range organic pig farm set on the volcanic plains just out of Kingston.

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Kyle’s Rant

03-04-2023

A RECENT trip to Lorne bought back some memories of 2020. You remember, the beginning of the pandemic.

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Just sayin’…

03-04-2023

SOME things just make you smile. Like driving past the PISS OFF AUSNET sign mowed into the hill on the way to Creswick.

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Easter Services throughout Hepburn Shire

02-04-2023

A beautiful dawn Service at St George's Lake just out of Creswick is among the various Easter time services which are scheduled in the Hepburn Shire area.

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Easter @ Blackwood

01-04-2023

Easter Saturday is a special day in Blackwood. Each year, the town hosts the Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival, now in its 121st year, and the second-oldest festival in Australia. The event was recently awarded the title of Moorabool Shire’s Community Event of the Year 2023.

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In the ring at Wombat Fight Club

01-04-2023

AS A a paramedic, Baydon Beddoe says he picks up the injured by ambulance. As a boxer, he says, he knocks ‘em down.

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Laid-back dining at the Daylesford Hotel

31-03-2023

MY dining companion (Paddy H) and I are ravenous as we enter the Daylesford Hotel for lunch, mid Monday, me having done a gruelling morning group weights class and Paddy having arisen well before 11am.

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Magical birds, joyful singing & art exhibits

31-03-2023

DAYLESFORD artist and musician Vanessa Craven has just published a children’s colour picture song book, Birds in My Tree: The Magic of Birds and the Joy of Singing.

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Free fashion for those in need of fine threads

31-03-2023

IT'S been said that “clothes maketh the man” – and there’s little doubt that applies for women as well. But sometimes obtaining snappy threads, so essential to making a vital good first impression, is easier said than done. That’s where Thread Together comes in...

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The craft of photography in the 21st Century

31-03-2023

PHOTOGRAPHY in the 21st Century is a remarkably easy medium to engage with. Every phone has a camera and digital technology, including editing and digital filters which can generate results that satisfy most people.

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Good egg! Support Daylesford and surrounds Good Friday Appeal

31-03-2023

This Easter is a great chance to support Daylesford and surrounds annual Good Friday Appeal raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

30-03-2023

DIANNE Longley’s considerable artist oeuvre depicts dreams and fantasies, weaving real and imagined figures and landscapes to create works that intrigue and beguile the viewer. Working at her Agave Print Studio in Trentham, Dianne uses both traditional and digital methods and here she chats about her prolific creative practice.

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‘Awesome’ ChillOut 2023, now on to 2024

30-03-2023

CHILLOUT 2023 may be over but festival director Emma Ireland is already looking at headline acts for next year.

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From furniture to philandering: a fascination with fungi

30-03-2023

FOR countless years the mysterious world of fungi has been the domain of a fairly exclusive handful of boffins.

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The Path well travelled

29-03-2023

TURNS out simply hanging with horses is really good for your health and happiness. It’s a basic tenet that underscores the good things happening at The Path of the Horse, just out of Trentham.

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Two years on the message remains clear

29-03-2023

IT MUST be one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. “PISS OFF AUSNET” was mowed in huge letters into a hill two years ago this Easter.

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Pub with no publicans: Smeaton hotel closed as publicans say ‘goodbye’

29-03-2023

Smeaton is again without an operating pub after a decision by the publicans to move on amidst setbacks and following a much publicised incident that left one of the publicans injured in February.

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Good Friday shaping for jazz lovers at The Palais, Hepburn Springs

27-03-2023

It certainly is shaping as a good Friday for jazz lovers at The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 7.

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The Palais’ SupperClub Friday presents Matt Joe Gow

26-03-2023

Matt Joe Gow grew up in the deep south of New Zealand in a town with bad weather and good music: Dunedin.

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Book it in! Clunes hosts book lover feast all weekend

23-03-2023

Clunes comes to life this weekend - Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March - as it hosts its acclaimed annual Booktown festival featuring author and artist talks, workshops and live entertainment.

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EV bulk buy set to launch at Malsbury

22-03-2023

If you've ever thought about ditching your climate-change fueling petrol guzzler for an electric vehicle then now might be the time to make it happen with an EV Bulk Buy scheme set to launch in Malmsbury at the Malmsbury EV Expo on 15 April.

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Americana meets the Palais for Easter Saturday evening gig

28-03-2023

Americana meets the Palais, Hepburn Springs come Easter Saturday when The Rechords take to the stage to do what they do best.

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Fight club boxing trials come to Daylesford

20-03-2023

A thrilling boxing event is coming to Daylesford on Sunday, March 26 with the Wombat Fight Club Boxing Trials.

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The real stories of Trentham’s history

20-03-2023

THE site of the old Trentham Police Station on Camp Street is getting a makeover.

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Just sayin’…

20-03-2023

KYLE was asked an interesting question the other day. Someone was wondering why we cover some festivals/events and not others.

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Clues about Russia revealed at Clunes

19-03-2023

AS AN adolescent, Sheila Fitzpatrick challenged her father, including questioning his view on the Soviet Union. Being a socialist, he was hopeful that it was achieving something like socialism...

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Kyle’s Rant

19-03-2023

THE world has gone and gotten into a “woke” tangle of unpicking history and misunderstanding around every corner.

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‘Extension of my soul’ top violinist to play Daylesford Town Hall this month

19-03-2023

"When I play, my instrument becomes the extension of my soul.” This is a quote from internationally acclaimed solo violinist, Alexandre Da Costa, currently one of the top and most sought-after violinists and soloists in the world and headed to Daylesford to perform this month.

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Arty Newstead hosts open studios art trail

19-03-2023

Newstead is a dynamic centre for artists of all stripes and once again the little town that punches above its weight when it comes to creativity is inviting people to visit its studios and exhibition spaces over three weekend

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Artists of the Central Highlands …

18-03-2023

WORKING in her attractive little Springmount studio, just out of Creswick, ceramicist Kim Haughie draws much of her inspiration from the region and its diversity of beautiful natural shapes and textures. This talented ceramicist creates functional pieces that are as much purposeful, practical items to be used and appreciated every day as they are unique works of art.

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Out and about: puppy pride

18-03-2023

Kyneton’s Botanic Gardens will once again host Puppy Pride, an event to celebrate puppies and bring together the LGBTIQA+ community, their friends, families and fur babies.

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Speak up: council urges community input on interconnector project

17-03-2023

As the April 5 deadline for submissions looms, The Hepburn Shire Council is urging the community to make a submission on the latest consultation report into the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project.

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Repair café diverts half a tonne from landfill

17-03-2023

DAYLESFORD'S Repair Café is alive and kicking after hiccups caused by Covid. Over the past 12 months the café has stopped almost half a tonne (482kgs) of household items from ending up in landfill.

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Community batteries…the potentials and pitfalls

17-03-2023

COMMUNITY groups keen to get their own community battery, fed by clean renewable energy, up and going need to make sure they know their stuff first.

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Lessons from Lucy book launch at Convent

17-03-2023

Elizabeth Huxtable is a former Daylesford resident and has written a memoir about her time in the town while parenting her daughter with disabilities, Lucy.

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Gorgeous gardens set to open at Clunes over Booktown weekend

16-03-2023

Open Gardens Victoria will open the Presbytery at Clunes and the Vale Hill House in nearby Ullina on the weekend of March 25 and 26...

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Celebrating Saint Paddy at Trentham

16-03-2023

At Trentham East, St Patrick’s Day is now an annual, modern and weekend celebration of the best of Irish culture.

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Somewhere over The Big Rainbow…

16-03-2023

The Big Rainbow has been erected at Victoria Park in Daylesford.

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Move over Icebergers, we’re the Polar Bears

16-03-2023

In the weeks since it was publicly floated as a thought bubble, the Calembeen Polar Bears swimming group has quickly caught on as Creswick’s inland answer to the coastal Icebergers.

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Revealed: How The Local helped an ex-truckie become a demented killer

15-03-2023

FOR some time now there’s been a belief that print is dead. Many say the world is all online.

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Well Chilled! ChillOut ‘finds it’s wings’ and flies

15-03-2023

Daylesford has turned on sparkling conditions for the Labour Day long weekend's ChillOut festival with many thousands celebrating and partying to the theme 'Find your Wings' across the weekend.

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Ukulele Death Squad headed to the Palais for April 1 showdown

15-03-2023

They're armed, "dangerous" and said to be headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for an April 1 evening showdown.

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Carole King hits and rarities celebrate songwriting queen’s catalogue

14-03-2023

Carole King Hits and Rarities is coming to the Palais, Hepburn Springs, Friday March 24.

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Chance to make a splash as council develops indoor aquatics vision

13-03-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is keen to receive community input as it develops its Hepburn Shire Indoor Aquatics Provision Feasibility Study and Business Case.

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Another go to grab the $250 power saving bonus

12-03-2023

Local households in Hepburn shire and surrounds will be able to access a new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus within weeks, as the state government drives down the cost of living across the state.

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ChillOut 2023

12-03-2023

ChillOut 2023

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Some hub help to tackle the hard-to-recycle bits

11-03-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has moved to remind residents they can take their tricky-to-recycle items, including e-waste, to their closest Hepburn Shire Customer Service hub for recycling.

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Orbs and all: Creswick town hall repairs make pace

10-03-2023

Hepburn Shire Council says repairs to the Creswick Town Hall are progressing well, with recent fine weather providing ideal conditions for masonry and render restoration to the building exterior, along with replacement of roofing and spouting sections.

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Goodbye Glyn!: Castlemaine State Fest director soon vacates director’s chair

08-03-2023

Glyn Roberts, current director of the Castlemaine State Festival has announced that the 2023 iteration of the premiere arts event will be his last in the director’s chair. After six years, he will be stepping down next month.

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Just sayin’…

I HAD a nice compliment this week. The Powercor PR guy said my column in the last edition was the best power outage story he had read. Even showed it to his boss.

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Kyle’s Rant…

04-03-2023

IT ALL started innocently enough, writing that is, when this mild-mannered photographer started banging away on the keyboard to produce this rant back in September 2013.

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For great food, service: See you at the Guilly

03-03-2023

I RECKON the road to Castlemaine has probably never seen so much traffic since Megan Evans and Tom Allen took over the Guildford Family Hotel at the end of 2021.

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The Great Trentham Spudfest gearing up

03-03-2023

Attention all spud lovers. The Great Trentham Spudfest is gearing up for Saturday, May 6 - and it's not just potatoes!

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Artists of the Central Highlands …

03-02-2023

Creswick’s Lyn Cooke has established herself as one of Victoria’s leading wildlife artists. Her work is admired for its detail and beauty as she challenges herself to capture not just the physical appearance of her subjects but also their intrinsic nature – or “jizz” as the birdos call it. Here this talented local artist shares some insights into her love of portraying our exquisite native wildlife.

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Finding a father

02-03-2023

BEAMING with pride my brother proudly showed me the most lurid tie I’d ever seen – all colour and movement. It had been a treasured Father’s Day gift and while I saw lurid – he saw beautiful because the giver was a beloved son.

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Blackwood hosts Australian Gold Panning Championships

02-03-2023

BASALT grandmother Verna Baker is flexing her forearms to compete in the Australian Gold Panning Championships at Blackwood this Saturday, March 4.

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Jon: A wonderful life in a country practice

02-03-2023

JON Barrell says he didn’t know what retirement looked like, so a few years back he took some time off, headed to the outback with wife Maureen and “sat under a tree” for a bit of thinking time.

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Race tragedy shocks speedway community

02-03-2023

A founding member of Daylesford Speedway has spoken of the shock in the wake of last month’s tragic death of a driver following a high speed crash.

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Get ready – it’s almost time to ChillOut

01-03-2023

SOME fresh faces and feel-good favourites join the line-up as ChillOut Festival approaches.

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Table tennis for life

01-03-2023

IT IS comfortable to assume that local sporting clubs are a permanent part of the fabric of any town. As if they have been there since the beginning and will never disappear.

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Heads up on sustainable house kits: Woodend library hosts free event

01-03-2023

This Saturday offers a unique chance to get the lowdown on sustainable house kits as the Woodend library hosts a free information event.

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Open invite to celebrate international women’s day

01-03-2023

Professor Paula Gerber, a Professor from the Faculty of Law at Monash University and leading expert on international human rights law, is the special guest speaker for the evening happening Wednesday 8 March from 6pm to 8pm at Daylesford Town Hall.

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Not so nice nans to host Granny Bingo at ChillOut

28-02-2023

Australia’s nastiest nans can’t wait to pull their balls out for you - apparently.

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Hello Dolly! The Palais does Parton

27-02-2023

The Palais at Hepburn Springs taps its inner big hair persona next Saturday March 4 when it hosts The Dolly Parton Experience with Vanesssa and the Jealous Guys.

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Kooroocheang bushfire leaves locals on alert

22-02-2023

Residents in the Koorocheang and Basalt area were on high alert over the past couple of days in the wake of a bushfire which broke out on Monday afternoon, spreading rapidly in dry conditions.

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Daylesford District Community Bank awards its 2023 scholarships

21-02-2023

The Daylesford District Community Bank has awarded scholarships to two local students in recent days.

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Police warning on concerning rural road trauma trend

20-02-2023

Police warning on concerning rural road trauma trend

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Kyle’s Rant

19-02-2023

IF YOU are sick of people bagging the Hepburn Shire Council then it’s time for you to turn the page. For the rest of you I have a tale to tell that will have you saying “that would be right” under a slow, shallow exhale.

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Stage plays spotlight issues of age, health care

15-02-2023

THE experience of losing her mother to a form of dementia inspired Tylden creative Dawn Bamford to pen a play highlighting some pressing issues.

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Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

18-02-2023

DINNER done and I was sitting down ready to watch, again, Mr Inbetween. It's a great Australian series, quite dark, but also very funny. The guy who wrote it is also the lead character.

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Stepping back in time

17-02-2023

The Mount Players are stepping back in time with the adaption of a comedy classic.

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Pick Me! Pick Me!

17-02-2023

Hi there. I’m Honey – by name and, obviously, by nature.

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Chilling Out with MC Art Simone

16-02-2023

Art Simone will MC the All Ages Soundshell event on Saturday, March 11 and co-MC at Carnivale on March 12 with ABC’s favourite weatherman Nate Byrne! She chatted with ChillOut Festival’s Amy Fabry-Jenkins.

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Music news with Darren Lowe

17-02-2023

CRESFEST is back again with a three-day multi-generational and inclusive celebration of music, art and culture in April.

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Grassfire threatens homes: fire risk remains

15-02-2023

Several houses were threatened when a grassfire broke out on Mount Glasgow near Clunes on the border of Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires ...

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Denver’s Stonefields fetches $11million+

15-02-2023

Celebrity gardener Jamie Durie has bought Paul Bangay’s famed Stonefields home and gardens in Denver for more than $11 million.

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Artists of the Central Highlands with Eve Lamb

16-02-2023

The prolific creative output of Wheatsheaf artist Frances Guerin is informed by a background in philosophy and transpersonal psychology.

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Victoria Park home to the Big Rainbow

15-02-2023

DAYLESFORD’S Victoria Park has been chosen as the site of Tinder’s Big Rainbow...

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Wombat logging ‘threatens town’s water’

15-02-2023

LIKE a never-ending game of chase, the campaign to protect the Wombat State Forest manages to save some trees, then logging starts elsewhere in this vast area.

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Aussie jazz icon Vince Jones plays the Palais

15-02-2023

He's cool. He's smooth. He's one of Australia's premier exponents of Jazz and he's coming to Hepburn Springs to play the Palais next month.

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Locking in love: Happy Valentines

14-02-2023

Happy Valentines! Daylesford's Alexis Saville and Odin Jonsson, who has just moved from Trentham to Ballarat, have been dating for just one month but have known each other for 10 years and been best friends for seven.

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Powercor reply to Just Sayin’… Feb 13, 2023

12-02-2023

Powercor is working to address reliability issues affecting customers in Daylesford, Glenlyon and surrounding areas.

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Ausecuma Beats and ZFEX at the Palais – Hepburn

12-02-2023

Ausecuma Beats and ZFEX are poised to bring a heady concoction of West African Beats, Jazz, Soul and Funk to The Palais - Hepburn next Sunday, February 19.

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Meet MC Art Simone

09-02-2023

Art Simone will MC the All Ages event Saturday Sound Shell, and co-MC at Carnivale with ABC’s favourite weatherman Nate Byrne! She chatted with ChillOut Festival's Fabry-Jenkins.

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Chilling Out with Sam Lohs – one half of the Tuck Shop Ladies

09-02-2023

Sam Lohs, one half of the Tuck Shop Ladies, will be performing at a few events at ChillOut (see below). Sam chatted with the festival's Amy Fabry-Jenkins.

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Sick pay, carer pay help for casual and contract workers

08-03-2023

Local casual and contract workers are expected to benefit from a new Victorian Government partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, affording them access to sick and carer's pay.

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Just sayin’…

05-02-2023

IT'S the start of a new year, well just past the start, but there are a few things which seem to linger longer - and I have been thinking about them.

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Kyle’s Rant

05-02-2023

HAPPY Australia Day. That seems wrong. Do we even celebrate Australia Day any more? And if we don't, why the public holiday?

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A stitch in time: the Textile Palette Exhibition’s back

04-02-2023

If you’re a nifty needleworker with a talent for textiles then the Clunes organisers of this year’s Textile Palette Exhibition want to hear from you.

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Compliments to chef Lizzy at The Savoia

04-02-2023

THE Savoia Hotel in Hepburn Springs has been a fixture of the region for 150 years in some form, or name, or another.

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Central Highlands artist profiles

03-02-2023

GLENLYON artist Pam Gleeson brings her background discipline as a professional photographer to her creation of imposing landscapes that reflect her deep love of the land and its stories. Pam is no slouch when it comes to observing detail. She’s previously worked as a medical scientist. Here, she chats to The Local journalist Eve Lamb about her art.

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Meet Stella Savy, conductor of the Creswick Chorus

03-02-2023

Quite a few will know her as the friendly face up front conducting the Creswick Chorus, Creswick’s own community choir for adults who like to sing.

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Cosmo BLOOMing

03-01-2023

BLOOM, an exhibition of new paintings by local artist Kevin Smith is now showing at the The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham

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Must sees at ChillOut 2023

02-02-2023

Daylesford is a special place, and Emma Ireland would know.

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Driving down emissions

02-02-2023

ELECTRIC vehicle owners are keenly watching to see when the newly installed charge station at Creswick will come online.

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The doco history of the projectionists’ craft

01-02-2023

A DECADE ago, cinema complexes across Australia were going digital, dumping their old analog equipment and almost overnight, projectionists found themselves out of a job.

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Community Awards recipients announced

01-02-2023

HUMBLED and “a bit surprised” is the way farmer John Drife describes discovering he’s this year’s Hepburn Shire Citizen of the Year.

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An evening of Indian classical music with Manish Pingle

01-02-2023

Renowned Indian slide guitarist Manish Pingle is preparing to bring his virtuosic playing to Hepburn Spring later this month.

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New citizens welcomed to Hepburn Shire

02-02-2023

Twenty-one people took the pledge to become Australian citizens at Hepburn Shire Council's civic event last Wednesday, January 25.

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The French House sets a sales record for Trentham

04-02-2023

A CUSTOM-built house set on grounds of just under an acre has set a new residential sales record for Trentham, selling for $2.2 million in recent weeks

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Zac Anthony does the SupperClub

31-01-2023

Zac Anthony has been performing on stages around the globe for over 20 years as the front person and songwriter for The Wellingtons.

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Maggie and that NYJazz

29-01-2023

Castlemaine-based Maggie Jackson and the NYJazzQuartet are preparing to dispense their cool tunes at the Palias next month.

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Brian Mannix and The Androids headed to The Palais

28-01-2023

Pop-punk legend Brian Mannix and The Androids are preparing to play The Palais at Hepburn Springs on Saturday February 1

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Insider travel tips opportunity

27-01-2023

If you've ever found booking detailed travel arrangements a tad stressful, then a free event happening in Castlemaine may be just what you've wished for.

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Just sayin’…

23-01-2023

SO, MYER Frankston has closed. The final shopping day was Sunday, January 15 but according to social media, most of the bargains were long gone.

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Kyle’s Rant

22-01-2023

I AM never too sure when to stop saying Happy New Year. Is it after the first day of the New Year or do we wait about a week or so?

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Carol calls time on her Lavandula property

20-01-2023

CAROL White is calling time on Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, putting the historic Shepherds Flat property up for sale.

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Craig Barrett: A love of art and pared back simplicity

19-01-2023

Creswick’s Craig Barrett is one of the region’s accomplished artists whose love of landscape and the natural world and the way human endeavour has interacted with it, resonates through his creative output. He has works held in the National Gallery of Victoria, the State Library of Victoria and the Shrine of Remembrance in addition to private and corporate collections. He chatted with journalist Eve Lamb about his love of art and his personal arts practice.

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We bought the Rex: a Bromley-Comelli coup

18-01-2023

CHRISTMAS '22 came a few days early for two of Daylesford's best known families who discovered they'd just become the proud new owners of The Rex.

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Off to a flying start: Creswick’s new Calembeen parkrun

18-01-2023

THE new year has got off to a cracking start at Creswick with the town joining the nation’s list of locales to host a regular Saturday morning parkrun.

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Ajak Kwai to perform at the Palais

17-01-2023

Ajak Kwai is preparing to bring her compulsive harmonies and rhythms to Hepburn Springs' Palais for a performance that promises to delight music lovers early next month.

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Beach party at the Palais with Rufino and the Coconuts, Mikelangelo

14-01-2023

Rufino and the Coconuts and Mikelangelo come together to host the first ever Hepburn Beach Party at the Palais, Hepburn next Saturday night, January 21.

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A date to celebrate our community minded winners

11-01-2023

Residents throughout the length and bredth of Hepburn Shire are being invited to attend an upcoming free community event to congratulate the shire's community award winner for 2023 - and welcome its newest citizens.

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When parked cars become death traps: stay safe from the heat this summer

08-01-2023

Victorians are being urged to never leave kids or pets in hot cars and to follow simple steps to stay safe from the heat this summer, as new data reveals there has been 113 callouts to locked cars in November alone.

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Just Sayin’…

06-01-2023

KYLE and I lived for a year in Karratha, WA. Below Broome, way above Perth.

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They swiped right…

06-01-2023

In our June 6, 2022 edition we announced that Daylesford was in the running to be the home of Tinder's Big Rainbow.

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The Rex sold to locals

04-01-2023

Welcome to 2023. As is our custom for the first edition of a new year, this edition of The Local is all about looking back. but with the story of the sale of The Rex breaking over the past couple of weeks, we felt it was one we could not miss.

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A plethora of poets: Gisborne library hosts free sampler workshops

04-01-2023

Local aspiring poets will have a unique chance to hone their creative technique when the Gisborne library hosts award-winning poet and writer Lorraine Marwood for a sampler of poetry styles, techniques and inspirations later this month.

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‘Sex is never just sex’: Miller to feature in library author talks series

02-01-2023

Acclaimed Castlemaine author Alex Miller will be discussing his new novel, A brief affair, with Prue Mansfield in a special event coming up at Bendigo Library.

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Chop chop! Put the Lyonville Woodchop in your diary for Feb

28-12-2022

The annual Lyonville Woodchop will be held on Saturday, February 4 from 10.30am at the Lyonville Hall.

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Dragon Dance: Lauren Mitchell and Geoff Hocking

01-01-2023

Dragon Dance is a story of hope, resilience and creativity, and a celebration of Bendigo's much-loved Chinese dragons and a special event is this month offering central Victorian locals a chance to hear first-hand from its creators.

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Police seek dashcam footage following Christmas night incident at Bacchus Marsh

31-12-2022

A 42-year-old driver was arrested after allegedly hitting a police officer while trying to avoid a breath-testing site at Bacchus Marsh last Sunday (Christmas) night

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Hot retro music items pinched in Castlemaine burglary, police appeal for assistance

31-12-2022

Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are now appealing for public assistance after rare records and music equipment worth about $150,000 were stolen during a burglary in Castlemaine earlier this year.

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Dealing with those long summer days: school holiday activities scheduled

30-12-2022

The Macedon Ranges Council is inviting all young people aged between 12 and 25 to supercharge their summer holidays by participating in its 2023 Youth Holiday Program.

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Climate for water security: $15M pipeline investment to ‘future-proof’ Daylesford water supply

28-12-2022

Central Highlands Water’s announcement last week of a $15 million investment in Daylesford’s long-term water supply security has been hailed as a welcome boost for the region’s future growth and climate resilience.

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No 1. Ladies’ Detective Agency author, McCall Smith, headed to Kyneton Town Hall

27-12-2022

A special guest visit from prolific author Alexander McCall Smith is among the diverse highlights featured on a packed program that Kyneton Town Hall has launched to host in the first half of the new year.

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A sporty way to greet the new year at Glenlyon

27-12-2022

THE Glenlyon Sports Day will be held again on Sunday, January 1, 2023.

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Your say…

26-12-2022

Dear Kyle, (Kyle's Rant, December 5, 2022) Yes, the geese are gone, and I note your bereavement, though it is one borne of a passé colonial attitude, that the Australian fauna is actually inferior to that of the Old World.

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Your say…

26-12-2022

Here is an incident that highlights Daylesford's inadequate public toilet facilities.

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Kyle’s Rant

25-12-2022

JULY 20 1969, 3.17pm American EST, a huge shift in human history began. Neil and his band of merry men landed on the big cheese.

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Just Sayin’…

25-12-2022

SO, this is our last edition for the year. But don't worry, despite repeated attempts we failed to win either Powerball or Tattslotto so will probably be back next year.

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The eyes of the storm

23-12-2022

MEMORIES of the June winter storm that cut a swathe through much of Hepburn Shire last year remain strongly etched in the mind’s eye of Trentham’s Charl Parris.

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Ageing with attitude and maturing in place

23-12-2022

THEIR parents may have been okay with becoming senior citizens, but as they move beyond a certain age, today’s baby boomers and the first of Gen X behind them - not so much.

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Riding for Cambodia

23-12-2022

PREPARING to cycle 650 kilometres through the heat of a Cambodian January may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

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New feat for Sebastian Streat: trainee award

22-12-2022

DAYLESFORD teenager Sebastian Streat has come a long way since the day a paediatrician once identified him as unlikely to ever attend school, or to read or write.

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The Rex sold to locals

22-12-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has named local entrepreneurs and businesspeople Eddy and Malinka Comelli and David and Yuge Bromley as the successful bidders in the purchase of The Rex building in Vincent Street, Daylesford, following a public expression of interest process.

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Holy cow! When will the potholes end?

22-12-2022

EVERYBODY has hit a pothole over the past few months as they continue to pop up, or down, all over the Central Highlands.

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Full throttle ahead: bold new attraction for Daylesford

21-12-2022

WORK has begun to create a significant new attraction that’s projected to bring tens of thousands more visitors to Daylesford each year.

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Creswick’s very Christmassy house

21-12-2022

When driving through Creswick on the main drag headed to Ballarat, it’s hard not to notice the abode of Dot and Laurie Porter.

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Prepare for a flaming ‘DiscoINFERNO’

19-12-2022

Hepburn's Palais is preparing to bring in the New Year in style with a spectacular glitter bomb of celebration - a flaming DiscoINFERNO.

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Waters and Mastwyk are headed to play the Palais

18-12-2022

Dan Waters and BenMastwyk are headed to the Palais in Hepburn later this month to dispense their unique combination of Americana and Cosmic Country music live.

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CFMEU proposal to log Wombat Forest threatens iconic species: concerned locals, groups

18-12-2022

An alliance of local conservation groups is horrified to discover that the CFMEU is seeking to source sawlogs from the Wombat Forest, in addition to the destructive salvaging of wind fallen timber currently taking place; compromising the very values that ensured it was designated to become National Park.

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Police to crack down on road trauma this Christmas

16-12-2022

Victoria Police say they'll be doing their best to drive down road trauma during the high-risk Christmas period as Operation Roadwise commenced last week.

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Just ducking in to put on a show…Kingston stages number 153!

15-12-2022

Junior exhibits at the Kingston Agricultural Show are only open for 6-15 year olds. So things were not looking good for five-year-old Lyra and her Elizabeth duck. That's the breed, not the name...

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Dirt Art clinches Creswick bike trail contract

15-12-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has awarded a contract to construct the 60-kilometre Creswick Trails Network to Australian company Dirt Art, a world leader in mountain bike trail construction.

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Hepburn House: a country home

09-12-2022

PEOPLE driving past Hepburn House over the past months have watched as a large building has taken shape next door.

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Cath: Magic roller coaster of emotions

08-12-2022

IT'S not your average job description but being Australia’s “leading female magician and mentalist” is a profession Daylesford’s Cath Jamison simply loves.

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Defibrillator signage for Clunes, a state first

08-12-2022

CLUNES has achieved a state first, getting public signposts installed to highlight the location of every public defibrillator in the town.

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Woofin’ wonderful: Trentham’s pin-up pooches

07-12-2022

DOG owners and their woofers out Trentham way are on the frontpaw for the new year ahead, releasing a doggedly handsome 2023 calendar in pursuit of a pooch-pleasing project.

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Attempt to stop gold mining in Daylesford

07-12-2022

A GROUP, Don’t Undermine Daylesford, or DUD, has formed to try to stop Red Rock Australasia from mining for gold under the town.

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Mining exploration concerns: council responds

04-12-2022

The Hepburn Shire Council has responded to community concerns regarding proposed mining exploration in the Daylesford area.

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Splashing out: council offers free entry to pools

04-12-2022

The chance to cool off in public pools throughout Hepburn Shire - should the weather warrant it - will be free this summer season.

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social enterprise shifts the menu to nutrition-rich eats

28-11-2022

FORGET the days when school lunch meant a pallid pastry followed by a fizzy saccharine chaser and a stomach ache.

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Ruth leading lady in Ageing DisGracefully

27-11-2022

RUTH Irving has come a long way. Raised on a farm at Mollongghip, she is now gracing the front cover of Hepburn House's latest calendar albeit disGracefully!

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Last ‘toot’ in January for RARD’s 20 years

26-11-2022

RURAL Australians for Refugees Daylesford – the group perhaps best known for its “toots for refugees” vigil at the top roundabout in Daylesford every Friday from 5pm - is finishing up in January after20 years of supporting refugees detained around Australia and beyond.

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Daylesford Show: It only needs you and the heavens

26-11-2022

After a two-year break and a ton of work by a very small but very dedicated committee the Daylesford Show is scheduled to return today, November 26 at the Daylesford Showgrounds in Victoria Park.

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Daylesford being explored for gold mine

26-11-2022

A MINING company granted an exploratory license for gold mining in May this year, has identified the Daylesford region as “highly prospective but well underexplored in terms of the modern exploration environment”.

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Daylesford Community Op Shop: Giving back

25-11-2022

DAYLESFORD Community Op Shop team leader Sharon Michels is proud to say that every cent raised from sales at the Mink Street shop goes back into the community.

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Something for everyone at Twilight Night

25-11-2022

Trentham Twilight Night happens tonight Friday, November 25 with businesses and market stalls ready to help shoppers get their Christmas list sorted.

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Service with a smile …

25-11-2022

The hand-written blackboard menu of Daylesford's 5000 Club reads like an upmarket cafe.

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RDA providing riding techniques for
physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities

24-11-2022

Daylesford’s Riding for the Disabled is always looking for volunteers – and loves those it already has.

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The little school in the heart of the Wombat.
And the little school that could!

24-11-2022

Last Wednesday, Bullarto Primary School, the little bush school in the heart of the Wombat Forest, had a celebration.

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Mark the date: December 5 is a significant day

23-11-2022

INTERNATIONAL Volunteer Day is held annually on December 5 to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.

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Council seeks bright ideas to help solve the affordable housing crunch

21-11-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is inviting the community to come forward with any bright ideas or insights to help increase affordable housing across the shire.

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Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

20-11-2022

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

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Welcome Week at Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club

17-11-2022

Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club is running Welcome Week starting Thursday 24th November 2022. We welcome any new players, young and not so young, beginners and people who haven’t played for yonks. There is something for everyone with free tennis events running all week on Daylesford’s beautifully maintained grass courts. Come down and give tennis a go! It is a week of free smashing good fun!

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Big wet puts dampener on Clunes show

17-11-2022

Heavy rainfall over recent days has forced a disappointed Clunes and District Agricultural Society to cancel this weekend’s keenly anticipated Clunes Show.

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Masterplan for world heritage bid

09-11-2022

Retiring Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford has announced a $500,000 grant to the Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Masterplan that will support the development of a bid for the region to achieve a World Heritage listing.

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Golfing royalty raises money for wildlife

09-11-2022

Whoever said doing good deeds feels like hard graft probably hasn’t met The Royal Daylesford Social Golf Crew.

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Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

START worrying white males, your time is running out.

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Kyle’s Rant

14-11-2022

WITH Halloween done and dusted for the year, the wigs, hats, and assortment of “scary” things have been popped into landfill to be marvelled at by the apes that take over the world in 200 years.

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Clunes Show hits 160 – with a modern twist

13-11-2022

WHEN it comes to classic country shows, Clunes is right up there.

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Cakes, quilts, flowers, animals: all on show

13-11-2022

THE Daylesford Show, on Saturday, November 26, will again feature an exhibition of the work of local people who are proud to show off what they have produced in the past 12 months, or perhaps three years.

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Wildlife fundraiser

12-11-2022

A QUIZ night at Daylesford’s Victoria Park Pavilion offers a chance to not only flaunt your general knowledge – or complete lack of it – while raising vital funds for the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.

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ChillOut tix

10-11-2022

Tickets are now on sale to all major events at ChillOut Festival 2023.

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Protectorate walk

10-11-2022

THE Great Dividing Trail Association is offering a one-off opportunity for the public to walk and explore the 1840s Aboriginal Protectorate site at Franklinford this Sunday, November 13.

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Cafs needs your help this Christmas

09-11-2022

This Christmas the need for support across the Central Highlands has never been greater and Cafs (Child and Family Services) is working harder than ever to support families in need.

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Vet clinic a step closer

10-11-2022

Regional Community Vet Clinic, a Mt Alexander Shire based non-profit organisation, has received $50,000 from the state government’s Living Local Regional Fund.

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Mountain biking coup

10-11-2022

THE state’s selection of the Creswick Trails to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games mountain biking competition has big implications for local business and the town’s future.

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Mt Players’ Madagascar

09-11-2022

The Mount Players are presenting their final show for 2022.

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Yandoit Cultural breathes life into church

09-11-2022

YANDOIT'S historic Uniting church is getting set to host two vibrant concerts supporting good causes this month, under its new guise as the venue for Yandoit Cultural live events.

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Pick me, pick me!

14-11-2022

Hi. I’m Bella and I’m a desexed female tri-colour kelpie-border collie cross.

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Horoscopes with Jenn Hart

06-11-2022

Horoscopes with Jenn Hart

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Commonwealth Games coup for Creswick

01-11-2022

In a coup for the region, Creswick Trails will host mountain biking competition in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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Tunes to chill

01-11-2022

Electronic Spring is a free concert at Hepburn Springs soundshell on November 12 from 3pm and staged by local music collective SMAM.

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Agent appointed to sell The Rex

01-11-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has appointed Melbourne-based Fitzroys commercial real estate agency to sell The Rex

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Thomas deflects hospital question

01-11-2022

As the state election closes in, Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas continues to deflect questions on whether she will support the $75 million redevelopment of the Daylesford Hospital.

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Life’s best together

31-10-2022

In a world where too many people are lonely and isolated, the motto of the Trentham and Districts Life Activities Club stands like a golden beacon of possibility.

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Music at Daylesford show

31-10-2022

Music to suit all tastes will be happening at this year's 148th Daylesford Agricultural Show, held on Saturday, November 26.

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A plan to manage animals

31-10-2022

A four-year plan for domestic animals was adopted at a Hepburn Shire Council meeting last week.

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Students go cutting-edge

31-10-2022

A group of Daylesford College students recently celebrated the launch of a cutting-edge gardening program.

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Kyle’s rant

30-10-2022

DOROTHEA Mackellar wrote: "I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains.

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Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

30-10-2022

BLOODY hell, that was a busy week.

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Open studios in Maldon thanks to MANet

30-10-2022

FOR more than a decade the Maldon Artist Network has provided a supportive environment and network for creatives in the regional area.

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Camera win leads to love of photography

30-10-2022

ARTIST Kaye Dixon grew up in Brisbane, moved to Melbourne in 1980 and then to Yandoit in 2000. Her love of photography started when she won a camera at a school fete.

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Human rights speaker

29-10-2022

Hepburn Shire U3A's AGM guest speaker is Elaine Pearson, the director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, overseeing the work of the division in more than 20 countries, based in Sydney.

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Honouring golfer Marg: tournament tees of

29-10-2022

THE most ambitious item on the modest bucket list of Clunes local Margaret Fox was to have one more hit of golf at her beloved local Clunes Golf Club.

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Truckin’ good Burras honour leader ‘Dools

29-10-2022

ONLY 54 life memberships have been awarded by the Hepburn Football and Netball Club in a century and a half. And the Burras, famously built on truck raffles, fittingly rewarded a recent president who runs a trucking firm.

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Inside the garden gates: a weekend for garden lovers

29-10-2022

SHARING their own private garden with others is a source of joy for Creswick couple, Claire and Clive Chadder.

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Spring art and old masters

28-10-2022

CRESWICK taps its rich vein of arts heritage this Melbourne Cup long weekend with the town hosting two concurrent art exhibitions.

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Mining concerns

28-10-2022

MORE than 80 concerned residents packed St Martin's Chapel in Blackwood to discuss recent gold mining activity and salvage logging in the surrounding Wombat State Forest.

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From the Mayor Cr Tim Drylie

28-10-2022

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Tim Drylie, who represents Creswick Ward, the most affected area, said the community, council and agencies had come together in an "amazing effort" in response to the October floods.

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Support for producers and business

28-10-2022

The state government is supporting primary producers and small businesses across Victoria affected by the devastating floods to get back in business, with an initial package of support to help kickstart their relief effort.

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Help for flood impacted locals

27-10-2022

Flood-impacted residents in Hepburn Shire will be able to dispose of flood waste free of charge until the end of December.

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Meet locals from the Daylesford Art Show

27-10-2022

THE Daylesford Art Show is ready to kick off this Thursday, October 27, with the Community Bank Daylesford District Awards Night at the Daylesford Town Hall.

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Hepburn Matters Launches Petition to Prioritise Community Use of The Rex

23-10-2022

Hepburn Matters has launched a petition calling upon Hepburn Shire Councillors to favourably consider bids to purchase The Rex that include provision for community use and heritage protections.

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The Scotch oven is the heartbeat of the bakery

26-10-2022

COMING from a long line of bakers, it’s no surprise that Rebecca Barnett grabbed at the chance to run her own bakehouse in Maldon, and become the proud new owner of the longest running bakery in Australia: the Maldon Bakery.

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Horses for courses

26-10-2022

EQUINE specialist Dr Emma Nicol knew from a very young age that she wanted to devote her life to caring for horses.

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Mwerre products on sale at Opera House

15-10-2022

IT WAS probably a bit of a “pinch me” moment. Liz Liddle had been running a soap making/bath products business for about five years when she saw a callout for Uncovered at the Sydney Opera House.

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Bank funds hospital

16-10-2022

COMMUNITY Bank Daylesford District has conditionally committed $750,000 over 10 years to the Daylesford Hospital upgrade.

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Balancing life and sport in Korweinguboora

16-10-2022

KORWEINGUBOORA local Abigail (Abbey) Wehrung loves where she lives on the fringes of the Wombat Forest.

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Glen, about the house

14-10-2022

One of the most exciting successes in gardening is creating a new plant from a small growth taken from a favourite tree or shrub.

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Raising money for palliative care at home

15-10-2022

DUO, Hayden Walsh and Karen O’Sullivan, who recently launched their book If I can, you can, are teaming up once again for a special project and asking the community to participate in the Mount Macedon Realty: Wooling Hill Run 2022 this month to raise funds for Kyneton Health’s Palliative Care in the Home program.

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Just Sayin’…

14-10-2022

SO, the Big Rainbow is coming to Daylesford. I kinda thought we would win. I mean the other towns were a little bit, well, not really on my gaydar. But then, maybe they are LGBTIQA+. I have been to Katherine in the Northern Territory and I can't say it glittered.

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Great pub fare at The Guilly – and yabbies!

14-10-2022

LIKE all hospitality businesses, it has been a bit of a rocky road for the crew at the Guildford Family Hotel, aka The Guilly.

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Kyle’s rant

14-10-2022

I SPENT a couple of years in the Hepburn Shire Council, starting as a volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre, and with that my stellar career in the Tourism Department had begun. It was just one of those times in life that you find everything simply works out.

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Vicki recognised for 42 years in education

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A taste of Saltbush

14-10-2022

Talented musical collaborators, the Saltbush Ensemble, are next up in the Daylesford Christ Church’s popular concert series, with a mid-afternoon performance this Saturday, October 15.

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Battery power to the rescue: Daylesford CFA

14-10-2022

THE value of forking out a cool $100,000 or so to upgrade the Daylesford CFA rescue truck was well demonstrated in recent days. When the truck was called in to help free a man trapped in a crushed utility following a head-on collision near Glenlyon, the new addition of battery power to run its critical lifesaving equipment proved a massive help, members of the volunteer brigade say.

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Musk gardens open

Two of Musk’s most beautiful gardens will open to visitors as part of Daylesford Spa Country Railway’s special fundraising run day next month.

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Italian music concert

Lauded as “one of Australia’s most angelic-voiced sopranos” Sara Macliver is headed to Daylesford this month to dispense a feast of Italian music together with the Genesis Baroque ensemble.

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Bakers at the ready: Lyonville’s bake off is back

IT'S time to crack out your cake tins and whip out the wooden spoon as Lyonville gets set to host its big bake off fundraiser on Sunday, October 23.

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Celebrating our seniors in 2022

08-10-2022

THE Victorian Seniors Festival is back, bigger and better and in its 40th year.

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History of the Gold Rush comes alive in book

08-10-2022

OVER The Log, a tale of a pioneering woman, is a fascinating read, written by Jenny Trewhella about her great-grandmother Betsey Trewhella (nee Noal).

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Garden fundraiser to stop AusNet Towers

08-10-2022

THE Kingston Old School will open its gardens to the public on Saturday, October 22 with all proceeds from the day going towards the Stop AusNet’s Towers campaign.

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Not ‘local’ but loving Hepburn

08-10-2022

ADAM Ferrier makes the point that he is not a “local” to Hepburn Springs as such, but he does spend most weekends there – taking time out from his base in St Kilda.

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The Big Rainbow comes to Daylesford They swiped right!

05-10-2022

DAYLESFORD has been named the home of The Big Rainbow, Australia’s first “big” landmark dedicated to the celebration of regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion.

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Horoscopes with Jenn Hart

25-09-2022

Horoscopes

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Shepherds Flat Landcare Community Planting Day

05-09-2022

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Kyle’s Rant

30-08-2022

FIRST we had AusNet. Proposed high voltage transmission lines across Hepburn and Moorabool shires - with a terminal station at Blampied.

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Local Lines

30-08-2022

Archie Roach

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Glen, about the house

30-08-2022

Winter's over (almost) I know. Spring has barely had time to sweep away the dark clouds, pack up, turn on the sunlight, but I’m sure, like me, you’ve had your share of the dark and dingy and can’t wait to spend some time in the great outdoors.

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R U OK?

30-08-2022

A number of activities are being planned for R U OK? Day on September 8 to help people to be able to start a conversation that could change a life

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Cat desexing due to donation

29-08-2022

THE Mt Alexander-based Regional Community Vet Clinic held its second free cat desexing day on Sunday, August 21 thanks to a donation received in May specifically for cat desexing, with a total of 28 cats desexed.

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A Feast of Music

29-08-2022

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s A Feast of Music festival is returning to Daylesford for the first time in three years, after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 festivals.

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ChillOut headliner

29-08-2022

ChillOut has announced its first headliner for next year - Kate Miller-Heidke! Kate will be performing at Carnival Day on Sunday, March 12.

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LGBTIQA+ support

29-08-2022

The state government has invested $3 million for a new LGBTIQ+ Homelessness Support Service to assist LGBTIQ+ people who face challenges accessing housing, including young people

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Water competition for kids

28-08-2022

Primary school-aged artists are being asked to create their own water story as part of Central Highlands Water’s National Water Week poster competition.

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Empathy in the classroom

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The bistro is back at the Daylesford Bowlo

28-08-2022

THE new chef at the Daylesford Bowling Club Bistro, Lenny Giri, has a philosophy which is that food is the way to healthier living if it's made with soulful dedication and emotions.

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Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

28-08-2022

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

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Water pics

27-08-2022

Central Highlands Water (CHW) is inviting customers to get snapping to help resolve any water or wastewater service problems, quickly and easily.

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Funding recipients at Macedon Ranges

27-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced the recipients of its Community Funding Scheme (CFS) grant program for 2022-23 with twenty-one local community groups receiving a share of $174,868 in funding.

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Performance at Kyneton

26-08-2022

Kyneton Town Hall will host a spectacular one-night only performance of Fred Smith and the Urban Sea Shanties Community Choir on Saturday 10 September. The not-to-be missed performance is the culmination of months of choir rehearsals under the guidance of choral leaders Andrew Price and Seija Knight.

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Have your say on pets

26-08-2022

Do you have a dog or cat, or want to have a say on how pets are managed in Hepburn Shire? Council’s draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) is now open for feedback.

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Changes to aged care services at Macedon Ranges

26-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has decided to change the way it provides aged care services as of 1 July 2023, following Commonwealth Government changes to the sector under Aged Care Reforms.

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Saving elms

24-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will begin its annual elm tree treatment program in the coming weeks as part of the yearly management program to protect the shire’s 2,700 elm trees from the Elm Leaf Beetle.

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St Augustine’s Church celebrates 150 years

28-08-2022

ST AUGUSTINE'S Church Creswick will celebrate its 150th anniversary on the weekend of September 17 and 18.

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FREE L’S AND P’S

23-08-2022

The State Government is slashing costs for new drivers and their families across Macedon with the abolition of learner and probationary license fees, as well as online testing fees.

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Council supports community compost

21-08-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is dedicated to keeping waste and valuable resources out of landfill, and is supporting residents on their low waste journey by offering subsidised compost bins to give a new life to food scraps and garden waste. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about composting at an upcoming workshop.

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Just sayin’…

18-08-2022

Went out for lunch the other day. Not locally, a sushi train restaurant. In the old days, well not so old, but older than now, they actually looked like little trains running around on the tracks. But I think people had too much sake and then tried to derail the train which sounds like fun but in reality ends up a rice and fish mess.

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Kyle’s Rant

18-08-2022

I watched in disbelief as the newsreaders banged on about the subject of house prices to alarm the viewers and get the most valuable of all currency, ratings.

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Local Lines

18-08-2022

Local Lines

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Glen, about the house

17-08-2022

Strange fruit - and perhaps a little fear of the unknown How many of us can honestly say they have never flinched at, or even refused to sample, an unknown, or suspicious looking food item, even if it was eaten with relish by many.

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Amy’s connection with Olivia

17-08-2022

WITH the news of the death of Olivia Newton-John last Tuesday, there were many shared tributes and memories.

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Delicious restaurants

17-08-2022

Daylesford has not one but two restaurants on the Delicious. 100 best restaurants in Victoria list for 2022. Kadota in Camp Street was voted in at number 25 and also took out Best Japanese.

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Where is the Big Rainbow?

17-08-2022

Six weeks after voting closed, there is still no word if Daylesford will be the home of Tinder’s Big Rainbow, the first big landmark celebrating regional LGBTQIA+ Pride and inclusion.

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More transmission lines for shire

16-08-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has expressed concern at the newly announced overhead transmission lines proposed as part of the Victoria – New South Wales Interconnector West project.

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Hub on track at Trentham

16-08-2022

Despite some concerns on social media, Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas has told The Local that the Trentham Community Hub is progressing well and is on track for completion in mid-2023.

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Reservoir dogs

16-08-2022

The Mount Players' third production for 2022, Reservoir Dogs opens on Friday, August 19 playing through to Sunday, September 4.

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Find Your Wings theme for ChillOut 23

16-08-2022

CHILLOUT has unveiled its theme for 2023 – Find Your Wings. Festival director Emma Ireland said the theme came from the discovery of the bright-eyed brown butterfly at the Grove of Gratitude at Wombat Flat, Lake Daylesford.

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Spanish flair, virtuosic Paraguayan guitar and a few goosebumps

15-08-2022

CLASSICAL guitarist Clancy McLeod grew up in Alice Springs and moved down to Victoria when he was 15. He spent quite a few years of his childhood travelling through the desert with camels and a wagon - the family were cameleers.

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Police, businesses, call for CCTV cameras

15-08-2022

DAYLESFORD business owner Chris Hartigan came to work last Tuesday to find someone had tried to break into his Vincent Street business.

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Trains almost back to Bullarto

15-08-2022

DAYLESFORD Spa Country Railway trains are not far from heading back to Bullarto after the track was covered by fallen trees and debris in the June 2021 storm.

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Back on track

15-08-2022

The Daylesford Spa Country Railway volunteers have been kept busy since the June storm last year. But they are almost back on track to Bullarto thanks to their hard work and that of Bushfire Recovery Victoria.

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Hepburn Shire still can’t get no satisfaction

14-08-2022

THE 2022 Victorian Community Satisfaction Survey has found that Hepburn Shire Council has shown a decline in 14 of 16 key areas since last year including Overall council direction, Overall performance, Community decisions and Sealed local roads.

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Spotlight on homelessness with Narelle Groenhout

14-08-2022

‘LET’S go far – together.’ There’s an African proverb that resonates across our local towns. “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

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Horoscopes August 14-28 with Jennifer Hart

14-08-2022

Horoscopes August 14-28

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Meatloaf by Richard Cornish

14-08-2022

Meatloaf by Richard Cornish

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Ageing with Attitude: Clunes to host a new ageing well conference

13-08-2022

On Friday October 28, the regional town of Clunes will host nationally acclaimed leaders and experts in positive ageing in the community at the Talking Ageing with Attitude conference. This new conference hosted by the Clunes community group Attitude will offer local perspective on the global conversation around strategies for ageing well in community.

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The Pollinator Project – Seed Balls

12-08-2022

Seed balls consist of the seed of one species or a variety of different species rolled within a ball of clay. For the Pollinator Project, we have chosen to add a native plant soil and compost mix to the clay providing nutrients and protection for the seed during throwing and sowing!!!

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Share coffee and a chat with Village Connect

11-08-2022

Village Connect is a new service for older residents and carers in the shire provided by Council. Free coffee cup events will be held at cafes across the shire for people aged over 55.

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First stage of Daylesford Museum roof repairs complete

11-08-2022

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) provided funding of $337,000 to the Committee of Management for the first stage of the works identified in the museum’s conservation management plan.

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Funding for creatives

08-08-2022

Independent creatives have been invited to apply for the new Creative Projects Fund, which will support them to develop, present or launch new creative content, products and experiences.

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Money for pride events

08-08-2022

The state government is celebrating and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) Victorians with funding for events throughout the state.

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Helping wildlife

07-08-2022

The state government is ensuring injured, sick and orphaned wildlife get the help they need, with a funding boost to support wildlife rescue volunteers.

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Mental health help for kids

07-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council invites parents and teachers in the Macedon Ranges to participate in an upcoming focus groups to help shape a new holistic mental health education program to support the wellbeing of grade five and six students across the shire.

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Laws to protect forestry workers

05-08-2022

Strengthened laws to protect forestry workers from illegal protest activity have passed the Victorian Parliament.

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Homelessness addressed

05-08-2022

Eight new homes in Daylesford and Clunes will be built as part of the State Government's Big Housing Build. More than 12,000 will be built across Victoria for those on the Victorian Housing Register.

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Kyle’s Rant

05-08-2022

"So, there’s that one and that one", the waitress declares. She is, of course, talking about the two menus as she handed me a non-Covid-friendly, sticky laminated glimpse into the hygiene of the kitchen.

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Concert delivers plenty of satisfaction

05-08-2022

A self-indulgent, bucket list trip to the other side of the world to see a (The) rock band. I guess you could absolutely argue that point.

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Open Garden

04-08-2022

Garden expert, radio personality and nurseryman Stephen Ryan will open his private garden, Tugurium, Macedon as part of Open Gardens Victoria on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28.

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Litter fine for Tylden man

04-08-2022

A Tylden man who dropped a parking receipt after using it to open a boom gate, wound up dropping $1100 in a fine and costs, after being reported for littering.

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Education staff recognised

04-08-2022

Two staff members from Daylesford College have been recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.

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Nature play area donation

04-08-2022

The Community Bank Creswick & District has donated $250,000 towards construction of the nature play area at the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick.

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Powering through the storm

03-08-2022

Over the past couple of years, many people have done it tough, especially when it comes to a reliable power supply.

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Subdivision at Raglan

03-08-2022

Smith Development Partnerships has put in a planning application to the Hepburn Shire Council for a housing subdivision at 9 Raglan Street, Daylesford.

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Wombat Trees

03-08-2022

The Daylesford Men’s Shed is finalising a project to bring Wombat Trees to Daylesford this festive season. The Wombat Tree project will have hand-painted wombats displayed on “wombat trees” which will decorate the shopping precinct of Daylesford.

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Homelessness

03-08-2022

Eight new homes in Daylesford and Clunes will be built as part of the State Government's Big Housing Build. More than 12,000 will be built across Victoria for those on the Victorian Housing Register.

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Local Lines

03-08-2022

Local Lines

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Glen, about the house

02-08-2022

If you share in the pleasures of a hanging garden, you won’t be desperate for garden space or need the expense of a greenhouse, unless you try your hand with a few exotics. Hanging plants take up little precious space, in fact you will enjoy the bargain of an extra layer in the garden.

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Why no-one cares about your long Covid

02-08-2022

IT’S been a while since I’ve written a story. It’s also been a while since I’ve breathed freely. Or gotten through a day without a nap. Or been for a walk. Anywhere. Just for the joy of it. How long? Since Covid.

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Recipes with Jen Clarke

02-08-2022

Recipes with Jen Clarke

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Church concerts

02-08-2022

Daylesford’s Christ Church Anglican has launched a series of ﬁve very special concerts on Saturday afternoons from winter to spring.

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Just sayin’…

01-08-2022

SO, The Rex is for sale to the highest bidder. Not really a big surprise although it did look like a last-minute reprieve might have happened thanks to Councillors Halliday, Bray and Drylie. But it was not to be. No stalling, said the other councillors, it was time to bite the bullet and put up the For Sale sign.

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Inspiring Jasmine

01-08-2022

From a young age, Daylesford’s Jasmine Gruar knew she wanted to be a ballet dancer. Her memories of dancing with her sister at home cemented her love of dance.

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On song with big dreams

01-08-2022

Twenty-year-old Atticus Punt-Trethewey is close to releasing his first EP while also organising a live music event in Daylesford, AltWave, with a group of fellow college students. An event by young people for young people.

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Homelessness Week

01-08-2022

Free hot soup and musical entertainment will be on offer at the Mechanics Institute in Kyneton this Tuesday, August 2, as the community gathers together to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness across both Australia and more locally in regional Victoria.

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Community needs to lobby for healthcare

31-07-2022

COMMUNITY stalwart Danny Moynihan, pictured, has been involved in three major community drives to get upgrades for the Daylesford Hospital but says the current campaign as the most important. That's because it's been 20 years since a serious site upgrade.

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Planning permit issued for Dan Murphy’s

31-07-2022

Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford. And Hepburn Shire Council has already issued a planning permit.

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The Rex now for sale to the highest bidder

31-07-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council will sell The Rex building to the highest bidder despite 66 per cent of survey respondents being against the move.

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Horoscopes August 1st to 14th with Jennifer Hart

31-07-2022

Horoscopes August 1st to 14th with Jennifer Hart

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True event stage drama

27-07-2022

A powerful stage drama based on a true event and set in a farmhouse in rural Victoria, is now in rehearsal at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre.

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New fire station at Mount Macedon

26-07-2022

Construction is underway on a new fire station in Mount Macedon, which will deliver a significant boost to fire services in the Macedon region.

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Elections in a democracy

25-07-2022

IN LATE May, Australians exercised their democratic right in the 2022 federal election. Whether deciding based on policies or personalities, voters chose to remove from power the conservative Liberal-National Coalition led by Scott Morrison, in favour of the more progressive Labor Party and its partners, led by Anthony Albanese.

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Keeping kids active

25-07-2022

More kids in Hepburn Shire are getting active and fostering the talents of Victoria’s future sports stars, with more support for schools to offer exciting sports programs and encourage physical activity.

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Santiago, from hospitality to aged care

24-07-2022

Santiago Delasa made the move from hospitality to working in aged care at Hepburn House a year ago and couldn't be happier.

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Spring flower show

24-07-2022

After an absence of nearly three years, the Kyneton Horticultural Society will host its Spring Flower Show at the Watts Pavilion, Kyneton Showgrounds on Saturday, September 4 from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, September 5 from 10am to 4pm.

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Palestinian film night

24-07-2022

Central Victorian Friends Of Palestine will screen two multi-award winning short films from leading female Palestinian directors in Kyneton - The Present by Farah Nabulsi and Like Twenty Impossibles by Annemarie Jacir.

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Road safety match

23-07-2022

Last weekend, clubs in the Central Highland Football Leagues plus over 1000 clubs across Victoria banded together donning blue armbands for TAC Road Safety Round in honour of every life lost on the roads.

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Bike push for games

23-07-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is working with the City of Ballarat for a mountain biking program to be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and for competition to be held at the Creswick Trails.

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Lock the gates

23-07-2022

A CAMPAIGN is under way to stop gold mining in Yandoit, within what is said to be among the hottest exploration areas in the world.

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Sell The Rex: Council

23-07-2022

Hepburn Matters is calling on the Hepburn Shire Council to hold off on any decision to sell The Rex until the end of November and “commit in principle to a co-design process between the council and community, to explore and reach mutually satisfactory outcomes”.

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Glen, about the house

22-07-2022

ld King Nebuchadnezzar II and his Babylonians certainly started something when they draped their multi-tiered citadels with lush greenery. They would, no doubt, have found success with quite a few plant species that would have barely survived out in the harsh desert below. For a start, they would certainly have faced less trouble with water supplies and maintenance of soil quality.

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Gorse – research first

22-07-2022

FOR many landholders controlling gorse is an uphill or lost battle, says Ron Cosgrave, chair of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce. But it doesn't have to be, he says.

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Just sayin’…

22-07-2022

FIRST we had the vaccine stroll out, now we have a new federal government and we apparently have the antivirals stroll out.

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Kyle’s Rant

22-07-2022

I DON'T seem to have much luck with online ordering.

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Local Lines

21-07-2022

Local Lines

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Snap rally

21-07-2022

More than 50 people attended a snap rally in Gisborne last Friday, called by the Wombat Action Group to voice their concerns about the VicForests’ salvage logging in the Wombat State Forest.

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To your health

21-07-2022

IN THE last edition of The Local, journalist Kevin Childs wrote of the sick state of the health system. He talked, anonymously, to a number of healthcare workers who outlined myriad examples of people being badly let down by the system.

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Creative precinct at Kyneton

21-07-2022

The former Kyneton Primary School is being repurposed to deliver a thriving creative precinct for the local community.

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Water fountains

20-07-2022

Central Highlands Water and Hepburn Shire Council have launched two new Choose Tap drinking fountains at Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick.

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Silent film night

20-07-2022

Small Space Music and Radio Springs Hotel present the Magic Lantern Sessions #4 - live improvised music scores with classic silent movies - on July 31.

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Christmas in July

20-07-2022

Christmas in July, HRCC’s major fundraiser is coming up in Daylesford on Wednesday, July 27.

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Money for historical society

20-07-2022

The Trentham Historical Society has been awarded a $9000 grant to install equipment that will enhance the storage and protection of the existing collection and improve the society's capability for further historical research for the community.

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Dan’s maybe on its way

19-07-2022

Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford.

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Firefighters

19-07-2022

Three hundred forest firefighters are being recruited to help keep Victorians safe over the upcoming fire season.

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Your say

19-07-2022

Dogs on leads please

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Your Say

19-07-2022

Your say

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Your say

18-07-2022

Your say

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End of an era for Peter

18-07-2022

An advert in the local paper - and his wife’s avid reading - led Peter Matthews to the Board of Kyneton District Health. After almost a decade as a board director, including a long stint as board chair, the Woodend local is stepping down from the now Central Highlands Rural Health.

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Peter’s life: Art, cricket, writing, style

18-07-2022

TRENTHAM artist and PR legend Peter Young passed away last Thursday, July 14, after a short illness. His own Twitter handle describes him as: "Former Cricket Aust head of public affairs-turned-slow-left-arm painter. Of canvases, not houses."

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Vale David Endacott

18-07-2022

DAYLESFORD's David Endacott has sadly passed away after an accident on July 1, just short of his 76th birthday.

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New director

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War on the willows takes its toll

17-07-2022

ON A recent morning, while approaching the once tranquil creek near her Kingston home, Virginia Imhoff, pictured with Buddy, was stopped in her tracks by this destruction.

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Ukraine Appeal

17-07-2022

The Daylesford Parish launched its Ukraine Appeal in late April 2022 and is currently remitting close to $800 to the Anglican Diocese of Europe who are managing this appeal and the distribution of aid.

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Reclaiming art and shows

17-07-2022

ALISON Parkinson was raised in a farming family and had all the space in the world to explore in the Warracknabeal district where "the lands are flat with the biggest skies".

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Horoscopes with Jenn

17-07-2022

Horoscopes with Jenn

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Tender for trails network

15-07-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has released a tender for construction of the Creswick Trails Network, a major milestone for the multi-million dollar project, which will see 60km of mountain bike trails built in and around the Regional Park, State Forest and plantation lands of Creswick.

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Funding for skilled mental health workers

15-07-2022

Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams has unveiled the Regional Mental Health Workforce Incentives program, which aims to attract and retain workers in state-funded mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services across rural and regional Victoria.

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Funding for public space and streetscapes

14-07-2022

Applications are now open in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne for the $20 million Living Local Fund.

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Fences to stay

14-07-2022

Property owners whose fence lines are encroaching onto a road reserve in Lancefield will no longer need to move the existing fences as part of the footpath construction process.

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Successful raffle

09-07-2022

The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford are delighted with the success of their recent Autumn Raffle. Launched on March 20 at our Gardens Celebration Tea Party it was drawn at our Taylor and Sangster Lecture on June 17.

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Ageing DisGracefully

09-07-2022

Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets cafe on Thursdays at 11am. All welcome.

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Just sayin’..

09-07-2022

IF YOU flip back to page 11 you will find Kevin Childs' story on the sad or sick state of our health system. Kevin talked to health workers, on the condition of anonymity, and wrote about how many things are going wrong - some life and death situations.

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Kyle’s Rant

09-07-2022

I WATCHED with interest our first intergalactic space launch from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Just a couple of days prior we had been reminiscing about our trip to Cooktown.

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Local Lines

08-07-2022

Local Lines

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Glen around the house

08-07-2022

The prices keep rising and there’s no end in sight. If there was ever a time to head to the gardening section - it’s right now.

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Funding for artists

08-07-2022

CENTRAL Highlands' artists and creative organisations are invited to hit the road and take their performances, exhibitions and events across regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria.

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Annual plan adopted

08-07-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council has formally adopted its 2022/23 Annual Plan. Mayor Cr Tim Drylie said that the Annual Plan was based on key projects identified in the Budget 2022-2023 and included priorities in the adopted Community Vision 2021-2031 Council Plan 2021-2025, which includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

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Looking back

07-07-2022

BACK in September 2013, Glenlyon Anglican Church held a wonderful Blessing of the Pets service, above. Father Andrew Eaton met with a 20-strong crowd with their beloved pets - all canines on the day.

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Upgrades for Hepburn Golf Club

07-07-2022

HEPBURN Springs Golf Club is among eight regional clubs across Victoria to receive major upgrades from state government funding.

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France’s national day celebrated

07-07-2022

FRANCE'S national day celebrations will be presented by the Daylesford Community Brass Band and U3A Hepburn Shire’s Le Cercle Français.

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Venie Poetry Prize

07-07-2022

The 2022 Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize, in partnership with Rabbit, a journal for nonfiction poetry, has been launched.

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Funding for Maldon’s Porcupine Village

06-07-2022

Maldon’s Porcupine Village tourist attraction will create more than 100 jobs and attract more visitors to the Central Goldfields region.

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NAIDOC Week

06-07-2022

Hepburn Shire Council invites the community to get together this NAIDOC Week from Sunday, July 3 to Sunday, July 10.

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Refugees visit primary school

06-07-2022

Trentham Rural Australians for Refugees, with sponsorship from the Community Bank Trentham & Districts, worked with Trentham District Primary School principal Arthur Lane, to bring Refugee Week celebrations into the school.

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Senior of the Year?

06-07-2022

Nominations are open for Victorian Senior of the Year. For more than 20 years, the awards have highlighted the role of seniors who inspire others as mentors, educators, role models, leaders – as well as their impact in supporting diverse causes and communities across the state.

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Community batteries

05-07-2022

Hepburn Shire residents and businesses can now have their say about community batteries.

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New ministerial role

05-07-2022

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas is Victoria’s new Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services.

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Your Say

05-07-2022

An article in a recent issue of The Local (Edition 255) is about the vote regarding the Big Rainbow, and is really testing our tolerance.

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The sick state of our health system

05-07-2022

ACROSS the country, a medical crisis seems to have erupted. Some rural hospitals have become so short of staff the military has been called in. In the cities, reports abound of lines of ambulances and crowded waiting rooms.

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Saving the world one cup of coffee at a time

04-07-2022

ORGANIC waste generated from the cafe trade is very large. Although people may not realise it as they sip on their morning latte or fresh juice, the average cafe can easily generate over 80 kilos of organic waste a week.

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Christmas shopping at Hanging Rock

04-07-2022

Enjoy a magical Christmas shopping experience on Melbourne Cup weekend, at our Hanging Rock Market, on Saturday, October 29.

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Ageing well and time to talk

04-07-2022

CLUNES is a place of firsts. First gold town. First Book Town and now the first country town to tackle the issue of ageing well in the community by bringing the conversation right to its own door.

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The sound of winter finally arrives in 2022

FINALLY, after two cancellations due to, ahem, unforeseen circumstances, Winter Sounds is set to nourish the souls of music lovers of the shire and beyond.

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Memories are made of this

10-07-2022

In a way, the internet was made for people like Doug Larson, a journalist in the United States, writing for much of the 20th century for relatively obscure newspapers in Wisconsin, in the northern midwest.

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Little Gallery reaches double digits

03-07-2022

THIS year marks the 10th anniversary of the Little Gallery, which was originally established as an artist collective in 2010.

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Hepburn Matters

03-07-2022

HEPBURN Matters, a community advocacy group, was launched at the Daylesford Town Hall on June 22 in front of more than 100 people.

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A tribute to Dear Fay

03-07-2022

WHEN well-known and much-loved local John Hungerford started sharing Facebook posts about his beautiful wife ‘Dear Fay’, he never expected the outpouring of emotions from friends and strangers alike. John and Fay were well known in the Newlyn and wider district with Newlyn Antiques and Nursery and their shared love of people.

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Horoscopes July 4 to 18 with Jennifer Hart

03-07-2022

Horoscopes

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More trees for Riddells Creek

27-06-2022

Approximately 400 new trees will be planted on nature strips in Riddells Creek in the coming months as part of Council’s annual tree-planting program.

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Support for older people

26-06-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is holding a free information session in Gisborne on 5 July for older people, their families and carers about Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Village Connect services.

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Sports funds available

26-06-2022

Grassroots sports and active recreation clubs and organisations across Macedon are being urged to apply for funding to boost their equipment, skills and administration expertise.

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Surge in need for emergency care

26-06-2022

Grampians Ballarat Health said over the weekend of 25 and 25 June, it had again experienced a significant increased need for emergency care and an increased demand to manage and isolate COVID-19 affected patients, and those suspected to have COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses like the flu.

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New hub for Trentham

26-06-2022

The historic Trentham Mechanics Institute is set to be transformed into a new community hub that will help bring locals together for events big and small, thanks to support from the State Government.

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40 years in education

25-06-2022

Teacher Vicki Hughes from Creswick Primary School, has been recognised for 40 years in education.

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Just briefly

24-06-2022

The Doxa Youth Foundation in Malmsbury and PGL Adventure Camps in Tylden will be delivering free camps during 2022 targeting students who wouldn’t normally have the chance to attend a camp. Positive Start in 2022 will help get students back out and about around the state, and support their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

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For the love of cats…and all animals

24-06-2022

REGIONAL Community Vet Clinic, a Mt Alexander Shire based non-profit organisation, was generously gifted an anonymous donation from cat lovers in the community to host the clinic's first de-sexing day at the end of May.

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Just sayin’…

24-06-2022

I GUESS, being the travel edition and all, I should talk about the joys of hitting the road, but it's not all beer and skittles. Whatever that means.

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Kyle’s Rant

24-06-2022

ON THE road again. This is the first long road trip in years, weighing in at a whopping 4000 kilometre drive with an average 400km under the tyres per day, and things have changed in the 27 years since we last made the trip.

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More safe spaces

23-06-2022

The ChillOut Festival will receive $25,000 to build its capacity and strengthen sustainability.

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Ciao!

23-06-2022

I'm Mara Ripani and I love being with community, talking and discussing all that is important to us. Problem solving and diving deep into conversations about everything and anything, no matter how difficult, no matter how light.

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Local Lines

23-06-2022

Local Lines

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Glen, about the hose

23-06-2022

In keeping with this edition's theme of travel, here's my take on Singapore’s breathtakingly spectacular Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare botanical, national icon.

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Bonsai Society celebrations

23-06-2022

Goldfields Bonsai Society will celebrate its 20th anniversary with an exhibition at the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 10am to 4pm.

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Congratulations Fr Jeff and Terry

22-06-2022

On Sunday morning, June 5, (Pentecost Sunday), Father Jeff O’Hare, left, and Terry Langevin were married by the Anglican Bishop of Ontario, the Right Reverend Michael Oulton, in front of Father Jeff’s congregation of Christ Church Belleville.

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Inaugural kettleball at Daylesford

22-06-2022

DAYLESFORD hosted its inaugural Kettlebell Sport competition, attracting competitors from four states, along with dozens of spectators, on June 4.

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Silent films at Radio Springs Hotel

22-06-2022

When silent films first made an appearance, they were almost always accompanied by live music, starting with a pianist at the first movie projections by the Lumière Brothers in Paris in 1895.

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Trentham Hub

22-06-2022

Demolition of sections of the Trentham Mechanics Institute has commenced, as the building is transformed into a $6 million Trentham Community Hub.

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Kids’ backpacks

21-06-2022

Creswick's St Andrew’s Uniting Church women have, for the last 15 years, been providing school backpacks filled with supplies including pencils, textas, scissors and glue, to school children in Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

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Storm works funding

21-06-2022

One year on from the devastating storm that impacted Hepburn Shire on June 9, Bushfire Recovery Victoria have announced additional funding to assist with work on community assets and public land.

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Chris to perform Lennox tribute

21-06-2022

Chris Burgess grew up in Naarm, Melbourne and from an early age aspired to be in musicals as his mum took him to every show that came through. He even has a closet full of programs and ticket stubs to prove it.

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Rethink the Rex

21-06-2022

MEMBERS from the Rethink the Rex community group will launch Hepburn Matters, a newly incorporated association designed to advocate for community assets, when they offer a free performance of theatre production A Prudent Man at the Daylesford Town Hall on Wednesday, June 22 from 6pm.

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Your Say/Letters

20-06-2022

I read with great interest, the article published in The Local (Issue 254, May 23, 2022) regarding the significant problems associated with guests staying at short term accommodation sites in the Hepburn Shire.

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Resorts with Narelle Groenhout

20-06-2022

IT’S no secret that Aussies love a resort holiday. Thousands of us flock to tropical destinations like Fiji and Bali for family-friendly, cheap and cheerful holidays. Well, before Covid anyway. But as life and international borders start looking like pre-Covid days we start dreaming and planning our escapes.

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The pub with no wine with Donna Kelly

20-06-2022

IT MAY be a long way to Tipperary but it’s also a long way from Glenlyon to Cairns. About 4000km. You can apparently do it in four days if you really push yourself but what’s the fun in that. Road trips are about taking it easy, taking in the scenery and chatting to locals. Connecting, breathing, dropping back to a slower pace.

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River Life with Kyle Barnes

20-06-2022

ORIGINALLY known as Hopwood’s Ferry, Echuca was founded by one of the most enterprising characters of the early colonial days, an ex-convict named Henry Hopwood. In 1850 he bought a small punt to transport people and goods across the mighty Murray. Hopwood died in 1869 leaving a thriving town where nothing had existed 16 years earlier, when he built his first slab wood inn.

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Horoscopes by Jennifer Atchison

19-06-2022

Horoscopes June 20th to July 4th

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Air travel with Jeff Glorfeld

19-06-2022

AUGUST in the Wombat State Forest means you’ve probably been burning wood in the stove 24/7 for at least three months and are suffering from a lack of sunlight.

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The grey nomad life with Peter Young

19-06-2022

MY wife Sally, aka “my gal Sal” has often reminisced sentimentally about happy childhood holidays on the Murray and at Eildon in her family’s tiny plywood teardrop caravan.

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Travel time

19-06-2022

IT'S been a long two and a half years. And while we are still in a pandemic most of us are vaccinated, know when to pop on a mask and distance, and are ready to either go full speed ahead into the the world, or just take some baby steps.

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School upgrade

18-06-2022

Students in Woodend will soon have access to the first-rate classrooms and facilities they deserve, with work under way upgrading St Ambrose Primary School.

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Draft strategy up for comment

18-06-2022

Council has released the draft Sustainable Hepburn strategy to the community for feedback. Sustainable Hepburn 2022-26 will be Council’s updated commitment to environmental sustainability and has been developed with the community over the past eight months.

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Recovery continues

16-06-2022

At the one-year mark following the devastating flood and storm event last June, the State Government is continuing to support those in Hepburn Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and surrounds with practical support to help them build back better and stronger.

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Storm and flood damage boost for tourist sites

17-06-2022

The popular Daylesford Spa Country Railway – damaged in the significant flood and storm event in 2021 – is one of several local tourist assets and community facilities in Hepburn Shire receiving recovery funding from the Victorian and Federal Governments, with clean-up works already underway.

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Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey to move from annual interviews to quarterly

16-06-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will move the Community Satisfaction Survey interviews from being conducted annually to quarterly. This decision is in line with best practice - allowing for any seasonality that may influence results and providing Council with a more accurate reflection of key themes and opportunities for improvement or development.

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One year on from storm

15-06-2022

This week we mark one year since the June 2021 storm, which caused widespread damage across the Macedon Ranges, and other parts of Victoria.

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Battle of the Bands

15-06-2022

Battle of the Bands is back and live in 2022! We are calling on young people aged between 12 and 25 years who think they have what it takes to battle it out on stage with the cream of our local talent and take home some awesome prizes!

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Community assembly feedback

11-06-2022

A Community Assembly formed to guide key decisions in the development of the Macedon Ranges Open Space Strategy has now completed its deliberations and feedback on future priorities.

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Just sayin’…

09-06-2022

SO, DAYLESFORD is in the running for the Big Rainbow. Of just four towns. Daylesford, Hay, Katherine and Broome. I reckon we're a shoo- in.

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Local Lines

09-06-2022

Local Lines

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Glen, About the House

09-06-2022

June is bustin' out all over Well it certainly is - but not in the joyous manner Rodgers & Hammerstein envisaged when they created Carousel way back in 1945.

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Amy turns 103 and celebrates a great life

09-06-2022

ATHLETICS legend Amy Burow AM celebrated her 103rd birthday on Monday, May 30.

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Recipes with Jen Clarke

08-06-2022

Recipes with Jen Clarke

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Markets

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Gig Guide

08-06-2022

Gig Guide

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Mushroom magic

08-06-2022

CURRY Punk and Jelly Brain. Sound like punk rockers? They’re mushrooms.

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Clunes Writers’ Group launches anthology

07-06-2022

CLUNES Writers’ Group has published Unmasked: An Anthology. Convenor Patsy Skinner said the book was started two years ago, with the idea that masks and restrictions would be a thing of the past within a year.

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New providers

07-06-2022

People requiring aged and disability support in Hepburn Shire will receive home care from one of two providers from July 1, Benetas or mecwacare.

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Philip’s time to shine

07-06-2022

“IT'S not about the time on earth – it’s what you do with that time.” That’s the affirmation 77-year-old Clunes local Philip Oyston lives by and each day this ‘oldest roadie in Melbourne’ lends his heart and time to those around him.

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Multiple portfolios for Catherine King

06-06-2022

BALLARAT Federal MP Catherine King has been sworn in as the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

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Hospital redevelopment

06-06-2022

STATE Health Minister Martin Foley visited Daylesford Hospital last week to announce the $4.548 million upgrade of its operating theatres will start late this year.

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Creswick residents remain out of homes

06-06-2022

FEAR and dissatisfaction continue to affect Creswick residents five months after the January 6 storm.

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Pop-up artwork

06-06-2022

FOLLOWING a successful exhibition on the Australia Day long weekend, the Daylesford Art Collective is planning a new pop-up exhibition for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from June 11 to 13.

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The Last Word – Gun control, or not

05-06-2022

THE New York Times recently published a graph illustrating the number of “mass shootings”, defined as “public shootings in which four or more people were killed”, in “developed countries”, from 1998 to 2019.

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Horoscopes – June 6th

05-06-2022

Horoscopes - June 6th

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Mineral springs feedback

05-06-2022

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is seeking community input into how people use and value Victoria’s mineral springs.

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Cheers to beers

05-06-2022

Hepburn Springs Brewing Co has taken home two awards from the 2022 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards.

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Zombies to pooches

05-06-2022

Over the next few editions we are taking a look back at some of our favourite photos. Back in October 2013, the latest Halloween trend was zombies. So, in the manner of all things scary, The Local caught up with Jason Beks, who ran a zombie hire outfit, using Daylesford and Hepburn residents in its crew.

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Big Rainbow for Daylesford?

05-06-2022

Daylesford is one of four finalists for Tinder’s Big Rainbow, the first BIG landmark celebrating regional LGBTQIA+ Pride and inclusion.

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Delivering stronger health services in Daylesford

11-06-2022

The State Government is delivering the best healthcare for communities in the Central Highlands with plans progressing for a $4.5 million upgrade of Daylesford Hospital’s operating theatres.

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Students Strive for success

03-06-2022

More high-ability students at every government school in Macedon will have support to excel at school and reach their full potential, with more funding for the State Government’s Student Excellence Program.

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Community input on mineral springs

31-05-2022

The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) is seeking community input into how people use and value Victoria’s mineral springs.

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New sports precinct under way

30-05-2022

A new sports precinct in New Gisborne is set to give regional athletes the ultimate home advantage.

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Brew hub

28-05-2022

Ballarat is positioning itself as a must-visit craft and small batch drink destination with a new hub for distilling and brewing.

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Heritage motoring on display at Trentham

27-05-2022

Heritage motoring on display at Trentham

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Just sayin’…

27-05-2022

IT'S a funny thing getting older. Just the other day I was joking with Kyle that he used to be ripped and now he's more just Van Winkled, or Van Wrinkled. Actually he's in great shape, thanks to interval fasting and refusing to have a drink until 6pm. I am more of a "must be 5pm somewhere in the world" kind of a woman.

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Kyle’s Rant

26-05-2022

BY THE narrowest of margins the better of two weevils have won the race, we have chosen one white balding 50-something-year-old chump over another.

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Wombat Hill lecture

26-05-2022

THE Taylor and Sangster Lecture will be held by the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford at Stanbridge Hall, Daylesford on Friday, June 17 at 7.30pm.

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Blessed with a fabulous job called ‘art’

25-05-2022

TRENTHAM artist Helen Cottle grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne and began drawing from a very early age. Even though she was obsessed with art she was also an animal lover and intended to become a vet, not an artist. During her later high school years her art teachers strongly convinced Helen to continue her passion for art and she took their advice and studied art. The venture lasted all of three days before she realised it was not for her. She said in those days it was more about commercial art, graphic design or teaching and not fine art which she believed was her direction. Helen left art school and pursued her passion in "my own way", self-educating by absorbing all the information she could through visiting art galleries, exhibitions and art books. She chatted with Donna Kelly.

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Weddings, parties… Just less noise please

25-05-2022

RESIDENTS in the small township of Lyonville are fed up with the unruly behaviour of guests staying in nearby accommodation sites. Unregulated all night loud music, trespassing and a blatant disregard for locals and their property are among the numerous complaints being made.

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Not so much a Victorian gold rush, a job rush

24-05-2022

THE great Central Victorian gold rush brought thousands of people to the region. Today most people imagine men humping swags and tools ready to scratch away at the earth in a fevered hope of finding something to secure their fortune.

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Viva! A precious slice of Italy is born again

24-05-2022

THE year 1859 was amazing. Among inventions patented that year were the paper bag, electric range, lifts and rechargeable batteries. A Tale of Two Cities was published by Charles Dickens, as was Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species. Big Ben began ticking in London and the French acrobat Blondin crossed Niagara Falls.

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Celebrating Daylesford Hospital

30-05-2022

Daylesford Hospital was officially opened on 22 May 1862 so this May, it is celebrating 160 years of serving the people of Daylesford and the surrounding districts.

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Pandemic far from over, according to Nancy

23-05-2022

PROFESSOR Nancy Baxter is The University of Melbourne's Head of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. A clinical epidemiologist, general surgeon and health services researcher, she has been in the forefront of the fight against Covid. She chatted with Donna Kelly about the pandemic.

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Howzat!

23-05-2022

Over the next few editions we are taking a look back at some of our favourite photos. And here's Ian Tinetti like you have never seen him before.

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Spa Quilters on show

22-05-2022

THE Spa Quilters hold an biannual show to showcase the work of its members and raise funds to make charity quilts.

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Skeeta’s new home

22-05-2022

SKEETA, the lovely 11-year-old foxy cross featured recently in The Local, has found her new forever home with Pam from Traralgon.

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And the winner is…

22-05-2022

Catherine King has won the seat of Ballarat. The seat has 110,704 eligible voters and saw a turnout of 72.56 per cent with informal votes accounting for 5.07 per cent.

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Horoscopes May 23rd to June 6th

22-05-2022

The planets are all making some big moves in this fortnight window. We see driven and determined Mars moving into its home sign of Aries on May 25th giving extra oomph and energy to the Aries part of your chart. Harmonious Venus also moves into a place of rulership in the sign of Taurus on the 29th and the Sun shifts into the sign of Gemini on May 22nd signalling birthday time for our Gemini friends!

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Mt Macedon finalist as Top Tourism Town

21-05-2022

The village of Mount Macedon has been announced a finalist in the prestigious 2022 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards and needs your vote to win the crown!

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WAGS winter art show at Woodend

19-05-2022

Annually WAGs members hold their winter art show over the Queen's Birthday Weekend.

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Last days for storm funding

19-05-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire residents affected by the June 2021 storms have until 31 May 2022 to lodge a claim for Disaster Recovery Allowance, and/or an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

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Funding for kids with a disability

19-05-2022

The state government is boosting funding for Victorian schools to support kids with disability, to ensure they have the tools they need to learn and thrive in the classroom and in life.

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Draft budget released by Hepburn Shire Council

16-05-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has released its $58.06M draft budget for 2022/2023, which has a total revenue increase of $15.24M or 37 percent on the current budget due to a considerable injection of State and Federal capital grants and stimulus project funding, along with reimbursement of the high costs related to storm recovery.

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Kyle’s Rant

14-05-2022

THE world is buggered. Interest rates are spiking, the cost of living is up and we are all going to die. Or so the media would have you believe.

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Angela loving her life at Hepburn House

14-05-2022

ANGELA Rigby is a great advocate for Hepburn House – but her move in March last year was far from planned.

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Tour for women’s contribution to motoring

14-05-2022

THE annual RACV Florence Thomson Tour was held on Saturday, April 30 with the main drive from Bendigo to Maldon, then on to Castlemaine for lunch, then back to Bendigo via Elphinstone and Harcourt.

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Disability submissions

14-05-2022

THE Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of persons with a disability (DRC) is running until December 2022.

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IDAHOBIT events

13-05-2022

A NUMBER of events are being held across the Macedon Ranges to mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) this week week.

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Your Say – Letters

13-05-2022

Rex consultation too quick: Hepburn Shire Council officers were directed by councillors to design The Rex community consultation in November 2021.

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Your Say – Letters

13-05-2022

Let's talk about the real fire risk in the Wombat State Forest. More than 13,000 hectares of the Wombat State Forest is regrowth from the overlogging of the forest up to 2006.

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Your Say – Letters

12-05-2022

I have worked in the natural resource management sector for 20 years, including as an environmental officer/lead consultant on major projects such as gas pipelines and wind farms.

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Looking back

12-05-2022

Over the next few editions we are taking a look back at some of our favourite photos. Reproducing Abbey Road are, from left, Lyndall Jenkin, Rodney Peacock, Tony Raftes and Alex Pearce. First published November 24, 2014.

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Arts input

12-05-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is calling for community input as it develops its first Arts and Culture Strategy.

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Health boost

12-05-2022

Woodend-based health promotion charity Live4Life has secured a $871,163 federal government grant to expand its youth mental health and suicide prevention program interstate.

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EV stations

11-05-2022

Hepburn Shire will soon have three more electric vehicle charging stations thanks to a collaboration between Hepburn Energy (formally Hepburn Wind), Hepburn Shire Council and Chargefox.

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Consultation on The Rex sale ‘not a backflip’

11-05-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council says it has not done a backflip on the sale of The Rex building in Vincent Street, Daylesford, despite now saying it will decide whether to proceed with the sale of the building, or not, at its June or July meeting.

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The Odd Couple

11-05-2022

THE Mount Players' second production for our 2022 season, The Odd Couple, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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Recipes with Jen Clarke

11-05-2022

Mushroom Bourguignon

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HSC DRAFT BUDGET

10-05-2022

Council will consider the 2022/2023 Draft Budget at its Special Meeting at 5.30pm on Tuesday 10 May. The meeting will be livestreamed via our Facebook page. Once the draft budget is released it will be available for public review.

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PROPOSED SALE OF THE REX

10-05-2022

Have you had your say on the proposed sale of The Rex building in Daylesford? Complete an individual or community group survey about the intended sale of the building. Given the Hepburn Hub (library, staff offices, etc) at The Rex is not proceeding we want to know whether you support the decision to sell The Rex.

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Community News from HSC

09-05-2022

I was honoured to speak at the opening of Clunes Booktown Festival last weekend. I stayed on for most of Saturday to enjoy the fabulous program of author-led talks, indulge a little in the local food and entertainment and wander the many book seller stalls in and around the historic main street of Clunes.

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Glen about the house

09-05-2022

There are many garden plants, especially vegetables and fruits, with either an interesting history concerning how they came to be grown in our own backyards or, more importantly, how they found their way into our kitchens.

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Just sayin’…
By Donna Kelly

09-05-2022

GREAT news that the Daylesford Field & Game Club can return to its home at Glenlyon Reserve.

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Easter musings from St Andrews Creswick

09-05-2022

St Andrews Uniting Church Creswick celebrated meaningful and thought-provoking worship services during Holy Week and Easter Day. Reverend Rosemary Carter led these services with input and planning from some congregation members.

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Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart May 9 – May 23

08-05-2022

The dreamy month of April has come to a close and we find ourselves moving into a more action-oriented time. With expansive Jupiter and energizing Mars moving into the pro-active sign of Aries this month, there are topics in your life that might get a boost, or you have the ability to level up in some way. Fair Venus has moved into fast-paced Aries as well, we all need to mind our impulse spending for the next few weeks. Mischievous Mercury turns retrograde from May 10th, a phenomenon that gives the illusion that this planet is moving backwards across the sky. In fact, it’s due to our point of view from Earth and the orbital cycle of Mercury that bring about this effect three to four times a year. It’s a time to reassess, reconnect, reunite, or revisit certain areas of our lives. It is commonly known for causing technology glitches, miscommunications, and misunderstandings but I find it great for wrapping up any projects that have been languishing on my desk. The second Eclipse (they always happen in pairs) takes place on May 17th and can be a continuation of the stories that have been kicking around since last month. Read on to see how you might harness the power of the planets. If you know your rising sign, start there first.

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Easter musings from St Andrews Creswick

08-05-2022

Easter musings from St Andrews Creswick

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Shooting at Glenlyon

08-05-2022

THE Daylesford Field & Game Club can finally return to its home at the Glenlyon Reserve after three years now a final report has found the risk of soil contamination is "low and acceptable".

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Donations for Ukraine

08-05-2022

CHRIST Church Anglican Daylesford has launched an appeal to raise money to help those affected by the war in Ukraine.

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Helping our pets

07-05-2022

The state government is delivering $11.5 million from the Victorian Budget 2022/23 for a new purpose-built animal shelter in Ballarat.

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Better health care

07-05-2022

Ballarat and Grampians patients will have better treatment closer to home for cancer therapy, surgery and mental health as part of the major expansion of health care announced in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

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New music event

07-05-2022

A new live music event known as ‘The Gig’ will take place in Woodend on Saturday 21 May.

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Say on youth in Hepburn Shire

06-05-2022

If you want to have a say on the development and coordination of services, programs, activities, for people aged 12- 25 years, take a look at Hepburn Shire Council’s Youth Development Strategy – known as THE ACE.

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Choosing healthy pets

05-05-2022

The state government is encouraging prospective pet owners to make informed decisions when looking for a furry friend to help combat scammers and dodgy breeders.

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Lighting the hall for Ukraine

04-05-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will be lighting up Kyneton Town Hall in the Ukrainian colours every evening from Friday 6 May until Thursday 12 May as a sign of solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine.

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Making tracks: the timeless history of our trees

04-05-2022

WHO would guess that to some people big storms and bushfires are almost welcome? The measured pleasure they get is because these disasters may laying bare secrets tucked away in the bush, such as century old timber-getting tramways in the Wombat state forest.

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Capital works and recovery

03-05-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Draft Council Plan outlines key priorities and supports the achievement of the Community Vision. It is reviewed annually and the Year Two draft highlights specific actions Council will undertake in 2022/23. It links to the draft budget for 2022/23, which aims to provide a high level of works and services to the community, while keeping rates as low as possible.

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Funding boost announced for youth mental health program

03-05-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is delighted with the announcement by the Federal Coalition Government to fund $871,163 towards the award-winning mental health program Youth Live4Life as part of their National Suicide Prevention and Leadership Support grant programme.

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Putting small scale producers on the map

02-05-2022

The State Government is helping to put Victoria’s innovative small-scale and craft producers on the foodie map and showcasing the exceptional food and drink they have to offer.

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ADAHOBIT Day celebrations

01-05-2022

Ballarat is set to mark IDAHOBIT Day (May 17th) with a very special Outdoor Cinema event at the Ballarat Showgrounds – Drive-In Pride.

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A Little Puppet set to charm the Macedon Ranges

29-04-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Arts & Culture team have a creative event throughout the month of May aimed at getting people out in the fresh air and appreciating art and performance.

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Just sayin’… with Donna Kelly

29-04-2022

IT WAS really interesting having a chat with Cecilia Macaulay last week - check out her story on page 7. If not for Covid, she would be heading to Japan pretty soon where she spends our winters every year.

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The last word – a crash course in road rules

29-04-2022

A popular poet once wrote:

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Backflip on The Rex?

27-04-2022

Hepburn Shire Council appears to have done a backflip on the sale of The Rex building in Vincent Street.

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Country footy

27-04-2022

There was plenty of action at the Laurie Sullivan Oval at Hepburn on Saturday, April 23, as Hepburn and Daylesford vied for the Bill Malone Cup.

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Ian Stanley Golf Classic

27-04-2022

THIS Friday, April 29, keen golfers from across the region will descend on the Hepburn Springs Golf Club to raise funds for Cafs (Child and Family Services, Ballarat) and to remember the late Ian Stanley, who was a great supporter of the Hepburn Springs Golf Club, in the annual Tee Up for Kids Foundation Ian Stanley Classic.

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Kyle’s Rant

27-04-2022

I DO love this country but my God we pay a lot of tax.

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Local Lines

27-04-2022

Local Lines

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Just briefly

27-04-2022

Organisations in Hepburn Shire have shared $23,000 under the latest round of the council’s Community Grants Program.

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Markets

26-04-2022

You can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.

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Gig Guide with Darren Lowe

26-04-2022

Off the back of the 17-year anniversary reissue of her ARIA award-winning 2005 album Parking Lots, Australian icon Mia Dyson was penned to perform a run of Australian dates this November.

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The ARC and 13 years of community volleyball

26-04-2022

YES, some people say 13 is a unlucky number but to the students and adults of Daylesford who have learnt new skills, teamwork, leadership and personal development, got a little bit fit, made some new friends and most of all are having great fun, 13 is just a number.

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All things potatoes and more at Spudfest

26-04-2022

AS AUTUMN stretches out, Trentham spud farmers are starting to pull their potatoes out of the ground – just in time for The Great Trentham Spudfest on Saturday, May 7.

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Rainbow events

25-04-2022

Businesses and staff are invited to a workshop that aims to help create safe, welcoming and inclusive places for all.

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Cecilia living her best life in Daylesford

25-04-2022

THE Central Highlands are familiar territory for Cecilia Macaulay. Her grandfather lived and farmed in East Trentham and her sister is in Kyneton.

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The local who killed off Neighbours’ Madge

25-04-2022

FOR many of us who grew up watching iconic Australian television series Neighbours, news of its axing after nearly 38 years on our small screens is unthinkable.

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Battle brewing in forest

25-04-2022

A NEW forest battle is brewing, not even a year after the state government announced three new national parks, including linking the Wombat and Lerderderg state forests to create a new park of 44,000 hectares between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh.

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Biggest Morning Tea

24-04-2022

On Monday, May 9, head to the Daylesford Bowling Club for a Biggest Morning Tea event from 10.30am.

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Pick me, pick me

24-04-2022

Skeeta is an energetic 11-year-old foxy-cross who needs a new forever home.

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Horoscopes

24-04-2022

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New entries for Ballarat Base Hospital

22-04-2022

In addition to building state-of-the-art theatres, a women and children’s hub and a new emergency department, the state government will boost accessibility and safety at the Ballarat Base Hospital by creating two new entrances separating emergency vehicles and the public.

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Community access hub opens

20-04-2022

Residents in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding communities now have better access to a range of vital health, family and community services under one roof, after the opening of the Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health Hub in Kyneton.

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Join a choir

20-04-2022

Have you always wanted to experience the thrill and connection of singing in a choir? If so, now is your chance!

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New youth spaces in Macedon Ranges

20-04-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is excited to announce the re-launch of its Youth Engage Program (YEP!) with two new Youth Spaces opening up in Woodend and Newham later this month.

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Fun autumn challenge with Parks Victoria

19-04-2022

As the seasons change and autumn brings fresh air and an explosion of warm colour to the Victorian landscape, now is the perfect time to get outdoors and discover new experiences across the state.

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Puppy Pride

19-04-2022

The inaugural Macedon Ranges Puppy Pride In The Park was a great success.

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Hepburn Burras Football

19-04-2022

At last country football and netball was back at The Laurie Sullivan Reserve with confidence that we’re in for a full season. No wind, overcast and 20 degrees was perfect for sport as The Hepburn Burras played host to Ballan.

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Free buses and extra public transport on Anzac Day

18-04-2022

A fleet of free buses will transport more than 2500 people to and from the Shrine of Remembrance for this year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service.

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Uked! coming to Creswick

17-04-2022

AFTER two sell-out seasons in Guildford and Newham in 2019, Jane Cafarella’s hit show Uked! - the first play-along ukulele musical is coming to the Creswick Courthouse Theatre in June.

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Kyle’s Rant

17-04-2022

Estimated travel time: New Zealand to Melbourne - 23 hours. It’s not a flight you would choose. But sometimes they choose you. And you know what? Travel just isn’t fun anymore. A cautionary tale follows.

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Local Lines

16-04-2022

Local Lines

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Glen, about the house

16-04-2022

Glen, about the house

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Male mentors needed

16-04-2022

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is running a six-week program which aims to explore the important role mentors play in guiding young people as they move towards adulthood.

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Strategy for kids

16-04-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has developed a draft Early and Middle Years Strategy 2022-2030 which aims to plan and prepare for family growth and the development needs of early years and middle years children.

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Free RATs

15-04-2022

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) are being given to eligible people with disability.

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AusNet pause

15-04-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has welcomed the announcement by AusNet that it intends to invest more time in carrying out consultation with landholders and the community on the proposed route for overhead transmission lines and terminal station proposed as part of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.

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Ageing DisGracefully

15-04-2022

HEPBURN House is taking orders for its 2023 calendar, with the theme of Ageing DisGracefully!

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Turn on, tune in, drop out with Jeff Glorfeld

15-04-2022

THERE'S a joke told on baby boomers that goes: “If you remember the 1960s, you weren’t there.” The funniest part about that old witticism is that no one remembers for certain who said it first.

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Markets

14-04-2022

You can find anything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds.

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Lest We Forget

14-04-2022

Anzac Day services for April 25

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Recipes with Jen Clarke

14-04-2022

Recipes with Jen Clarke

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Gig Guide

14-04-2022

Gig guide

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Music and movies

14-04-2022

SMALL Space Music and the Radio Springs Hotel are pairing live improvised music scores with classic movies for the Magic Lantern Sessions.

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The future is now, local tells uni students

13-04-2022

STAYING home during the pandemic has meant a quiet revolution. For Daylesford’s Craig Mutton it changed a lot, including his job.

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From convict to land holder

13-04-2022

ON THE river flats along Creswick Creek in the area known today as the township of Clunes, European settlement emerged to take advantage of the land for the growing of livestock.

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Lauriston Hall

13-04-2022

Ninety-year-old Lauriston Hall has been upgraded into a more accessible space to be better equipped to host more events - thanks to the state government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

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5000 Club back

13-04-2022

After several years of necessary closure, the 5000 Club has decided to re-open operations. President Loretta Little said the first day back would be a celebration on Friday, April 29 at noon at the Victoria Park Pavilion.

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Night of the Proms

12-04-2022

Night of the Proms will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, April 30 and is a fundraiser for the Daylesford Community Brass Band, sponsored by Community Bank Daylesford District and U3A Hepburn Shire.

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No more dropping in on planning department

12-04-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council is actively looking for new planners, CEO Bradley Thomas says. The statement comes after a number of people contacted The Local to say the planning department was either understaffed or had no staff remaining after a number of resignations.

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Good Friday Appeal: Cash, card, online, cheque

12-04-2022

IT’S that time of year – Easter and the Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

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Easter services

12-04-2022

Easter services

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Just sayin’…

17-04-2022

I WON'T say every Easter because that would be a lie. But when I talk to people like Natalie Kirby, I think about my stint in the Royal Children's Hospital. If you don't know the connection with Easter and the hospital and Nat, head back to page 11.

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Don’t sell The Rex – group’s call to council

11-04-2022

A PUBLIC meeting held by organisation Rethink The Rex, has resulted in a call for Hepburn Shire Council to “rescind the motion to sell The Rex and release the Crowe Haworth auditor’s report”.

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Bullarto Tractor Pull great success at Trentham

11-04-2022

THE Bullarto Public Hall Committee reports that the 2022 Tractor Pull and Classic Car Show at Trentham was a great success, with over 700 people attending.

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Vicki on Team Vaccination at the Top End

11-04-2022

MOST people take long service leave to get away from work. Not so Vicki Sundblom.

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If I can, you can, so Karen and Hayden did

11-04-2022

FORMER Kyneton Football Netball Club president Karen O’Sullivan and club legend Hayden Walsh have joined forces to publish If I can, you can.

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Storm help

08-04-2022

On 5 January, a severe localised weather event affected the Ballarat and Creswick areas, with hail and heavy rainfall of up to 170mm, resulting in flooding, building damage, fallen trees and crop damage and losses.

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Duck talk

08-04-2022

Kirsten Diprose lives and farms near Caramut in the state’s south west. She’s the co-collaborator of ‘Ducks on a Pond’, a podcast series connecting and sharing stories and advice among rural women on the land.

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Upgrade for Lauriston Hall

07-04-2022

The 90-year-old Lauristone Hall in Lauriston has been transformed from a much-loved community hub into a more accessible space to be better equipped to host more events.

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Quail callers suspended for the 2022 Stubble Quail season

06-04-2022

The Game Management Authority has today announced the use of electronic quail callers will be prohibited during the 2022 Stubble Quail hunting season.

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Regional recovery

06-04-2022

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas has visited the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) to announce a $2.6 million grant, one of many projects funded through the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Round 2.

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Help for business

05-04-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is again encouraging local businesses affected by COVID-19 to apply for vouchers of up to $1000.

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Motorsports boost

04-04-2022

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced the 78 projects that will share in more than $1.6 million through the latest round of the state government's Community Motorsport Program.

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CresFest 2022

04-04-2022

Cold Central Victoria-type weather seemed to sync with the end of daylight saving, perfectly setting the scene for a new, sprawling and cosy music festival - Creswick's CresFest.

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Help for small business in Macedon Ranges

03-04-2022

Following an overwhelming response to the Business Continuity and Recovery Program in 2021, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is again encouraging local businesses affected by COVID-19 to apply for vouchers of up to $1,000.

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RUNNERS RETURN TO STRIKE IT RICH ON THE GOLDFIELDS

03-04-2022

Hundreds of running prospectors are expected to strike single track gold in Victoria’s Daylesford-Hepburn Springs spa country with return of the Goldrush Trail Runs on Sunday 10 April.

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Ageing DisGracefully

03-04-2022

IF YOU missed out on last year's Hepburn House movie-inspired calendar, don't fret, the residents are already working on 2023 - and the theme is Ageing DisGracefully!

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Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival

02-04-2022

THE Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival will be held on Saturday, April 16.

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Open for (men’s) business

02-04-2022

TRENTHAM'S Cool Country Men’s Shed was officially opened after a two year delay thanks to Covid restrictions. The shed, at 55 Mulcahys Road, opened on March 19.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-04-2022

THE Local started on September 2, 2013, due to a combination of happenstance, and has been driven forward into the present with tenacity from the crew, the reckless and rambunctious business acumen and photography skill of yours truly as well as the skill of the editor, keeping a steady hand on the tiller.

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Just sayin’…

02-04-2022

IT'S not always easy being green or a journalist. (Nod to Kermit there.) Now and again we get asked to investigate something or someone. Generally we don't because we don't have the money or time for lengthy investigations, or it's just a grudge match and we don't want to get involved in the argy-bargy.

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Win for Daylesford Cider

01-04-2022

DAYLESFORD Cider Company has won Australia Award's 2021 Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award.

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Local Lines

01-04-2022

Local Lines

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Glen, About the House

01-04-2022

If you are fortunate enough to share in this year’s crop of berries, or have managed to bulk buy at the right price, make the most of them by freezing the surplus fruits and enjoy the results for the rest of the year.

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Bigger Little Gallery

01-04-2022

TRENTHAM'S Little Gallery is celebrating its first anniversary as the bigger Little Gallery in its spacious, light-filled new premises by showcasing two new guest artists.

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Woodend happenings

31-03-2022

Locals and visitors are invited to attend three community events hosted by the Woodend Neighbourhood House this weekend.

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Small halls

30-03-2022

Award-winning indie folk darlings Charm of Finches and prolific singer-songwriter Jack Carty have hit the road for the Festival of Small Halls Autumn Tour 2022.

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Bowls win

30-03-2022

The Daylesford Bowling Club Division 1 Tuesday Pennant team has won the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Grand Final.

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Romeo and Juliet

30-03-2022

OZACT is presenting Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve next month.

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A bank with a heart

30-03-2022

In the 10 years since the Community Bank Daylesford District opened its doors on Vincent Street, it has contributed more than $500,000 in community funding.

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Probus Club

29-03-2022

The Probus Club of Daylesford held its AGM on March 21 with an election of office bearers and committee members.

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‘Mortar-fied’: no council cash for old gun

29-03-2022

WORLD War I lasted four years. Paul Dwyer has spent that much time trying unsuccessfully to restore an historic weapon from that conflict that is rusting away in Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.

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Puppy Pride

29-03-2022

Is your dog a puppy prodigy? Do you swell with pride at the tricks your dog can do? Or perhaps your pooch has a unique feature to share.

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Rethink The Rex

29-03-2022

A public meeting to Rethink The Rex will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Tuesday, April 5 from 6pm.

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Operation Cookies

28-03-2022

MANY of us have watched in horror and disbelief as Russia has rolled over Ukraine, killing soldiers and civilians, and wondered what we can do to help.

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Daylesford…not just a place but a community

28-03-2022

Sarah Flemming 31, and Marlie Regis 30, met in England six years ago.They left their IT and marketing careers to see the world and have been in Australia for four years and are now influencers and bloggers, highlighting the sights and people they come across on their journey. Their recent return to Daylesford, a community that supported them during lockdown, homeless and alone, has seen them spread the joy of ChillOut with their Instagram, Facebook posts and videos - so far reaching more than 200,000 keen followers. This is their story.

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Hepburn Shire pulls pin on aged services

21-03-2022

Hepburn Shire Council will stop delivering aged care and disability services to more than 300 residents.

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Farewell to Anne, ‘the ground’s
not the same’

28-03-2022

FOR Anne E Stewart, brilliant storyteller, one long narrative is about to end and another to start.

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Open space future

27-03-2022

Now is your chance to get involved in shaping the future of open spaces in the Macedon Ranges Shire. Council is calling for expressions of interest to participate in a Community Assembly to guide key decisions about the future of our parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and conservation areas.

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Public meeting to Rethink The Rex

27-03-2022

The sudden decision by Council in November 2021 to sell the Rex, against the recommendation of council officers, prompted the formation of the ‘Rethink the Rex’ community group aimed at halting the sale pending a proper community consultation.

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LGBTIQA+ committee announced

24-03-2022

After a busy weekend, with thousands of people gathering to celebrate queer country pride at the 25th annual ChillOut Festival, Hepburn Shire Council has appointed six members to its inaugural LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, selected from a recent public call out for expressions of interest.

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Money for regional events

24-03-2022

The state government is backing rural and regional Victorian makers, artists, entertainers and producers with new funding to revitalise the community events calendar.

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Fire danger period over for Macedon Ranges

23-03-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been advised by the Country Fire Authority that the Fire Danger Period for the shire will end at 1am on Monday 21 March.

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Blooming good news for Daylesford

21-03-2022

Daylesford locals and visitors will soon have another reason to visit the iconic Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, with new upgrades well underway thanks to an investment from the state government.

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CresFest: The story of the festival unfolds

28-03-2022

AN INITIATIVE that’s sure to surprise attendees at the inaugural CresFest from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 3 is an A2 folded map with the full program on one side and on the other a list of venues and other important information.

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Just sayin’…

18-03-2022

I WASN'T going to write this, because it's all a bit too close, but Mum loved being in this column, even when she jokingly told me she was going to sue for some mostly imagined slander, so here goes.

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Your Say

18-03-2022

YESTERDAY I put down my gardening tools and picked up my talking drum. Catching the bus with close neighbours and fellow community to the steps of Parliament House.

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The Last Word – Fire on the mountain

18-03-2022

Here’s a world-class whinge: many Central Highlands residents know what it’s like to evacuate their houses because of an oncoming bushfire, but, you know, it sure is a hassle having to unpack all your stuff when the authorities sound the all-clear and you’re allowed to return home.

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Kyle’s Rant

17-03-2022

Wheel of Fortune, Sally Ride, heavy metal suicide, foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz, hypodermics on the shore, China's under martial law, rock and roller, cola wars, I can't take it anymore.

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Full of energy

15-03-2022

Hepburn Energy’s Impact Fund has provided $10,287 to help six Hepburn Shire schools save energy and emissions with demand management and education.

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Celebrating 150 years of education

15-03-2022

This year, 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the Victoria’s world-class public education system. Victoria was the first state in Australia – and one of the first in the world – to make education free, secular and compulsory to all children aged 6-15. Around 600 schools opened across the state in the five years following the passing of the Education Act.

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Pete Risstrom: Ambo, greenskeeper

14-03-2022

PETE Risstrom is one of those Daylesford locals who make up the essential character of the town. His story, like many of those who have moved to the region over the years, is a circuitous route.

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Creating a musical festival – CresFest

14-03-2022

HOW many people have thought to themselves: “I’ve got a great idea”, “I can do that”, “how hard can it be?”

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Rallies to Stop AusNet

14-03-2022

TRACTORS rumbled through Melbourne last Tuesday, March 8, as hundreds gathered to protest at Parliament House against 85-metre high towers planned to cross valuable farmland and destroy pristine vistas in Hepburn Shire and beyond.

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Principal inducted onto shire honour roll

14-03-2022

INSPIRATIONAL Bullarto Primary School principal Joanne Pegg has been inducted onto Hepburn Shire’s Heather Mutimer Honour Roll.

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Our Time To Shine

13-03-2022

ChillOut was back with a bang with the Sunday Street Parade.

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Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

12-03-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to fostering respect, understanding and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Macedon Ranges communities.

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Celebrating our schools

12-03-2022

While the state government is getting on with building the schools of the future, 2022 marks a massive milestone – the 150th anniversary of the Victoria’s world-class public education system.

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Funding for creatives

11-03-2022

Three creative organisations based in the Ballarat and Corio electorates will share in $558,000 under the seventh batch of grants from the federal government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, which has created more than 200,000 jobs across Australia since 2020.

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Schools saving energy and emissions

10-03-2022

Hepburn Energy’s Impact Fund has provided $10,287 to help six Hepburn Shire schools save energy and emissions with demand management and education.

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Just Molly and me – by Sandy Breen

06-03-2022

IN THE lead-up to ChillOut, less than two weeks away, Daylesford local Sandy Breen reminisces about her lifelong friendship with music guru and 2022 ChillOut Ambassador, Ian (Molly) Meldrum.

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CresFest – the story unfolds

05-03-2022

LIKE an intricate tapestry, the threads that weave together the story of CresFest start to reveal a cohesive picture that celebrates what started out as the initiative of a few to a collaboration of many.

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Lyonville Hall – the township’s heartbeat

05-03-2022

WHEN Lyonville’s Anne Bremner was approached to be featured in a story given her devotion to the local area, her commitment to the preservation of the original mill town and its history, she agreed on the proviso the little country hall was part of the story.

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Regional sales supercharged by Covid

04-03-2022

REIV president Adam Docking says Covid-19 has just “supercharged” the move for many to the regions. “Over the past few years (pre-Covid) we were seeing more of a focus on people moving to the regions because of the internet, infrastructure and technology, and realising they don’t have to work in a concrete jungle.

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All things botanical

04-03-2022

JOHN Beetham is a pretty laid-back bloke but don’t get between him and a rare tree, or a garden in need of a design hand.

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New show for Daylesford

02-03-2022

DAYLESFORD and District Agricultural Society president Don Harvey, pictured, says the last two years of Covid cancellations have hit "terribly hard".

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Heading into autumn – Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

02-03-2022

MANY people feel that autumn is the best month for mild, golden days and for beautiful gardens. While it might not have the glorious variety of spring planting, the soft luxuriance and vivid colour that we enjoy up here make autumn a very special time, especially on Wombat Hill.

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Curtain goes down at Trentham

02-03-2022

THE historic curtain at the Trentham Mechanics Hall has been taken down for refurbishment.

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Just sayin’…

01-03-2022

WOW. I just watched the National Press Club piece with Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame. They were both fantastic but Grace Tame is amazingly fierce.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-03-2022

I DON’T get a lot of feedback on my columns, I am sure they generally get ignored as the paper makes its way to the woodbox, however my last column ruffled a few feathers. Well actually, just one feather.

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Group urges Hepburn Council to Rethink The Rex

28-02-2022

A GROUP of "concerned citizens" has formed to try to stop the sale of The Rex. Hepburn Shire Council voted in November for the sale, which would mean a loss of up to $6 million in works already done on the former theatre in Vincent Street, Daylesford.

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Your Say – Wobbly Woodend Warblers

28-02-2022

WHAT? Me? Sing? When my daughter, newly arrived in Woodend with her family this year, suggested I join her to give Woodend Warblers a try, all I could think of were obstacles.

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Subbing The Local

28-02-2022

SINCE its inception, Lindsay Smith and Nick Bunning have been sub-editing The Local.

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No matter where you go, there you are

28-02-2022

We bought a holiday house in Wheatsheaf in 2000, on a lovely five-acre block with a pretty little dam that didn’t hold water. The Hills Hoist in the backyard spoiled the forest view so I pulled it out - hey, we didn’t go there to do laundry.

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Still floating ideas, after all these years

25-02-2022

Fantasyland is a carousel that sits out the back of Tom Henderson’s place. It seats four, with two people propelling it by cranking an arm up and down.

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Creaks and groans lead to paranormal career

21-02-2022

AROUND 18 months ago Dolly Adamson and her family moved into a century-old house in Kyneton. Not long after that the weirdness commenced, the shadows flickering in the corners, the creaks, the groans. All those little things that suggest that your new home harbours something more than you may expect or even wish for.

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Stories of Us – coming to CresFest 2022

21-02-2022

QUESTION: What do poet Banjo Paterson, singer Simon McDonald of Springmount, photographer Daisy Harriett Llewelyn and the people of Creswick have in common?

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New vegie foodie award

21-02-2022

BEST vanilla slice award? How many hundreds of bakeries lay claim to that prize. But there is a new prize in town for the cafés and pubs of the Macedon Ranges, The Edgy Veg award.

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End of pine plantation at Miners Rest

20-02-2022

IT CAN be hard taking down a Christmas tree at the end of December… but imagine taking down over 100 pine trees at the end of an era.

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Sadie after forever home

20-02-2022

BEAUTIFUL Sadie is now looking for her forever home after a life saving, crowd-funded operation. Sadie is a purpose-bred golden retriever born with a hereditary genetic condition issue known as ectopic ureter(s).

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HAVE YOUR SAY ON DRAFT AQUATICS STRATEGY

19-02-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has released its draft Aquatics Strategy for community feedback, with the strategy aiming to provide a 10-year priority plan to guide the future direction for aquatic facilities in the shire, including how best to manage the current aquatics facilities, aspirations for the future, and ways to maximise residents’ participation.

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Anger over aged care moves

18-02-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council’s in-principle decision to outsource the delivery of aged and disability services to more than 300 local residents has sent shockwaves through the community, causing anger and concern for many receiving the services, their families and carers.

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Simply messing about in boats at Paynesville

18-02-2022

THE alarm sounded as we rounded the point into Metung. I quickly bolted down the boat's stairs in the blustery wind trying to figure out what was making the racket, and then the sound gave way to silence as the motor took its final breath.

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Simply messing about in boats at Paynesville

18-02-2022

WITH overseas holidays still a long way off, for us at least, we headed to Paynesville in Gippsland for a little break and a water view recently. It was fabulous.

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Final say on solar farm

17-02-2022

THE decision on whether eight hectares of industrial solar panels will be placed at Leonards Hill will be made by DELWP some time after February 14.

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Civic recognition for Danny’s tireless work

17-02-2022

“YOU don’t look for appreciation, but I suppose it’s nice when it comes your way.”

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The Last Word – they’re playin’ Jeff’s song on the radio

16-02-2022

A FEW evenings ago Carol and I were sitting in the lounge room in front of the television, looking at Netflix, and it must have been a Thursday because she had control of the remote.

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The Local in oils…

16-02-2022

The Local, usually in print and online, has now also appeared in oil paint.

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Triple threat Maureen takes on The Voice

16-02-2022

CRESWICK'S triple threat performer Maureen Andrew, pictured above, was one of the stars of Channel 7's four-night production of The Voice - Generations starting on Monday, January 31.

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Civic ceremony

16-02-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council hosted its annual Australia Day Eve to welcome new citizens and announce community award winners.

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Avenue may be overshadowed by AusNet

15-02-2022

IN AUSTRALIA , Avenues of Honour are a ubiquitous feature of the landscape. Planted to commemorate those who fought and died in theatres of war, particularly WWI, there are 547 known Avenues of Honour in the country with over half of them in Victoria.

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ChillOut on its way

15-02-2022

IT'S just weeks until the community celebrates 25 years of ChillOut. Festival director Em Ireland said this year's theme was Our time to shine, "so get your shiny wardrobe ready for some well-deserved celebrations".

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Progress on Woodend Community Center

14-02-2022

A bigger and better Woodend Community Centre is one step closer thanks to the State Government providing funding to fast-track detailed design works.

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Upgraded facilities for Creswick North Primary School

14-02-2022

Creswick students now have the facilities they need for a great start in life with the Andrews Labor Government completing an upgrade at Creswick North Primary School

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Glen, about the house

09-02-2022

Water features

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The MANet

09-02-2022

The MANet upcoming I Be Human portrait prize exhibitions will be held at the EDGE galleries in Maldon.

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Begonias on show

08-02-2022

IF YOU'VE ever visited the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens glasshouse, you will have seen the amazing tuberous begonias, flamboyant, colourful and huge - but only viewed from behind the glass walls.

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Funding boost for Creswick cemetery

05-02-2022

The State Government is delivering upgrades and maintenance to Victoria’s cemeteries, ensuring these important spaces where Victorians reflect and remember those no longer with us continue to be preserved.

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New Hepburn Shire Council procurement policy

03-02-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has adopted a new Procurement Policy to guide how it spends money with suppliers.

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Bushfire recovery help

30-01-2022

The state government is continuing to support businesses and industry groups to recover from the impacts of the 2019-20 bushfires.

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Your Say

27-01-2022

Why I voted "No" to selling The Rex - Cr Jen Bray. At the November council meeting the 4-3 decision to halt the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project, and sell the building, has sent shockwaves through the Hepburn community.

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Just sayin’…

27-01-2022

THIS edition is all about looking back so I thought I would take a stroll down memory lane, to my "born and bred" town of Frankston.

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VACCINATION CLINIC OPENS KIDS APPOINTMENTS

27-01-2022

Central Highlands Rural Health’s vaccination clinic at Kyneton Health has opened its doors to 5-11-year-old children on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Children will be welcomed by our friendly nurses as they make their way through the Enchanted Forest themed vaccination clinic. We are thrilled to have state of the art virtual reality headset on site for children to enjoy however use will be subject to availability. All children will receive a goodie bag and lollipop available when they attend their appointment.

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Australia Day protest

26-01-2022

A number of people gathered outside the Daylesford Town Hall on Wednesday, January 26 to protest against Australia Day.

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New citizens and community awards

26-01-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council hosted its annual Australia Day Eve to welcome new citizens and announce community award winners.

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Hepburn Shire Australia Day events update

26-01-2022

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Bendigo Airport expansion funding

24-01-2022

The federal government has committed $4.5 million toward a major expansion of Bendigo Airport, paving the way for more flights in and out of the region and creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

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Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

22-01-2022

There is so much to see and do in the Macedon Ranges and the region’s Autumn Festival is one of the newest features of the Victorian events calendar.

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Joe Camilleri living the dream

19-01-2022

HE IS one of Australia’s favourite rockers, an ARIA Hall of Famer and together with The Black Sorrows he’s sold more than two million albums. And just last month he released yet another album.

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Just sayin’…

18-01-2022

I honestly thought 2021 would see us out of this mess and back into a normal way of life. That was wishful thinking.

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Glen, about the house

18-01-2022

Last issue I mentioned that succulent plants weren’t just a group of weird little sun-loving plants that stored water on their swollen stems, leaves and sometimes, roots.

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Our great friend Don Breen

17-01-2022

In our June 7, 2021 edition we farewelled our great friend and long time supporter of The Local Don Breen. Don was born on September 16, 1940 and passed away on June 1, 2021. We miss you Don.

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Looking back at 2021: June

17-01-2022

In our June 21, 2021 edition we looked at the storm damage from the June 8/9 storm that wreaked devastation across the region. Images courtesy of Daylesford Spa Country Railway and Sandy Scheltema.

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Pets@Work

17-01-2022

In our March 8, 2021 edition we ran another of the popular Pets@World series...

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Looking back at 2021: January & February

16-01-2022

In our January 18, 2021 edition, journalist Jeff Glorfeld reported on the pandemic in America and Australia along with offering a handy list of pandemic reading material. Who knew we would still need them in 2022.

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SENSIBLE STEPS TO REDUCE TESTING QUEUES AND TRANSMISSION

20-01-2022

In the biggest change to the COVID-19 testing system since the beginning of the pandemic, Victorians won’t have to line up to get a PCR test and wait for their result to be diagnosed with COVID-19 – meaning shorter wait times and faster access to clinical care.

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NINE EASY QUESTIONS FOR RAPID COVID RESPONSE

13-01-2022

From today, Victorians who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be asked just nine easy questions to quickly access the medical support they need as part of the transformation of Victoria’s response to coronavirus.

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A safe and sensible return to work

16-01-2022

With the number of COVID-19 close contacts continuing to grow, Victoria’s public health team will provide more essential workers with an exemption from close contact home isolation requirements to attend their workplace.

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NEW TRAINING CENTRE FOR STATE’S CFA VOLUNTEERS

10-01-2022

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and other emergency services agencies will benefit from a brand-new training facility in the Central Highlands, preparing them for the summer season.

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Shire Hall returns to former Glory

25-12-2021

The eight month restoration of the historic Kyneton Shire Hall, funded jointly by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and Macedon Ranges Shire Council is set to be completed in December.

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Loving summer at Barwon Heads

22-12-2021

WHILE we love the Central Highlands, waiting for warmer weather to arrive can take a while, so we decided to go and find some summer vibes at Barwon Heads recently.

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Administrator should replace council – petition

22-12-2021

A PETITION is circulating asking for the Minister for Local Government to replace Hepburn Shire Council with an administrator.

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Tennis love match moving to its final set

22-12-2021

A LONG, hard slog appears to be approaching an end with the $2 million-plus redevelopment of the Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club.

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Daylesford Soccer under 15 league winners

21-12-2021

DAYLESFORD & Hepburn United Soccer Club's Under 15s, under coach Danny Koleski, have won the Ballarat Soccer League Competition for the third time.

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Offering company, comfort and a cuppa

21-12-2021

MEMBERS of the Malmsbury Cemetery Trust will be at the cemetery on Christmas Day offering light refreshments, shade and seating for those visiting passed family or friends.

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New custodians for Wombat Park

21-12-2021

DAYLESFORD couple Tony De Marco and Theresa Albioli have bought the historic Wombat Park homestead and estate at auction.

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Wombat State Forest reopens ahead of Christmas

18-12-2021

Victorians can now visit three recreational sites in the Wombat State Forest following the forest’s closure after an extreme storm event in October.

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BRIGHT FUTURE FOR SOCIAL HOUSING IN BALLARAT

16-12-2021

More Victorians will have a place to call home thanks to the State Government’s social housing investment in the Ballarat and wider Grampians area.

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Glenlyon Sports Day back for 2022

13-12-2021

THE Glenlyon Sports Day will be held again on Saturday 1 January 2022.

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So, this is Christmas

10-12-2021

Santa, aka Richard Herr, and his naughty helpers have come down from the North Pole to Daylesford and will be around town from December 1-25.

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Just sayin’…

08-12-2021

I get the feeling everyone is as stunned as I am about Hepburn Shire Council deciding, pretty randomly, to scrap the Hepburn Hub project at The Rex.

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Being prepared the key to summer safety

09-12-2021

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Pools open for summer

05-12-2021

Summer has arrived and Council is pleased to announce the re-opening of the two outdoor pools in Woodend and Lancefield.

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Iso Pod at Springs

07-12-2021

SPRINGS Medical Centre in Daylesford has introduced an “Iso Pod” as part of its fight against Covid-19, and any other contagious diseases. The pod, which is set up fo

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Kyle’s rant

07-12-2021

THE topic of the moment is The Rex in Daylesford and the abhorrent waste of ratepayers' money. I do intend to get to that after this quick community safety message.

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Industry recognition for The Local

07-12-2021

THE Local has been awarded three runner-up awards in the highly-contested 2021 Victorian Country Press Association awards. The awards were announced last Friday, December 3.

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Launch of the Grampians Community Power Hub

26-11-2021

The Grampians Community Power Hub, led by BREAZE Inc, was officially launched on Friday bringing together community members, those working on the hub and the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

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Hepburn Hub project scrapped, Rex for sale

05-12-2021

THE controversial Hepburn Hub at The Rex project has been scrapped.

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Just sayin’…

29-11-2021

SO, WE are out the other side. Sort of. As in a massive lifting of restrictions. No more masks for most people unless you are working in hospitality or medicine. It's great news. For the vaccinated. Not so much if you have decided not to get the jab. Small life and all that.

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New mayor and deputy

04-12-2021

Congratulations to Cr Tim Drylie, who Councillors voted to be the new Mayor for the next 12 months, with Cr Jen Bray as Deputy Mayor (both pictured with Town Crier Philip Greenbank). CEO Bradley Thomas said the election of Cr Tim Drylie as Mayor and Cr Jen Bray as Deputy Mayor is recognition of the great work they do on behalf of their communities.

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Daylesford’s Annual ChillOut Festival announces Silver Jubilee Programme

03-12-2021

ChillOut Festival is thrilled to announce their 2022 programme. Join us from the 10-14th March as the Central Highlands of Victoria will loudly and proudly celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ChillOut Festival. A time for us all to bring our community together after being apart for so long. Whether it’s dancing, tennis or bushwalking shoes you need, dust them off and be a part of what we are planning to be the biggest and best festival yet. Bring all the moves that missed their dancefloor debuts and remember what it feels like to be celebrating what makes us proud of who we are, together as one incredible community, where we shine the brightest.

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Macedon Ranges Produce named Business of the Year

02-12-2021

Macedon Ranges Produce have been named Business of the Year at the 2021 Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards, also taking out the Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles category.

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Clunes street dinner celebrates community

24-11-2021

AFTER a difficult year of uncertainty and lockdowns, the Clunes community plans to reconnect around one big dinner table. On Friday, December 3, Fraser Street will shut down to host Feast on Fraser, a community Christmas dinner complete with Santa, live music, and entertainment.

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Bush not so ideal when the sun goes down

23-11-2021

THE forests of the Central Highlands are lovely in the day. A bucolic place, abounding with precious orchids, meandering butterflies and grazing kangaroos. A benign arcadia, safe, beautiful, serene.

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Did somebody say that’s D’Arcy Spiller

23-11-2021

SINGER/songwriter, and former Smeaton resident, D’Arcy Spiller is one of the stars of Menulog’s reworked Snoop Dogg’s Did Somebody Say track.

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It’s beginning to look like Christmas

22-11-2021

Daylesford Trading Co owner Gary Grach has always loved Christmas so what better time to go overboard with his own store.

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GET INVOLVED IN SUSTAINABLE HEPBURN

21-11-2021

Hepburn Shire Council is calling on residents to get involved and help shape Council’s updated commitment towards environmental sustainability. Sustainable Hepburn will be an inclusive, aspirational yet realistic, strategy to guide Council’s environmental sustainability ambitions into the future.

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FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL WITH A SMILE

Residents in Hepburn Shire Council can dispose of green waste for free at transfer stations in Daylesford, Creswick and Trentham throughout November. When you drop off your green waste, one of the friendly faces you may see is attendant Clem Nemeth.

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Sprouting joy

20-11-2021

THE shopfronts of Daylesford and surrounds came alive over the weekend with 120 beautiful floral installations designed to celebrate spring.

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Women recognised

16-11-2021

Women leading their communities through disaster, helping address cybercrime and lifting-up vulnerable communities are some of the 23 remarkable inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this year.

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Stories of the Storm

14-11-2021

SANDY Scheltema's Stories of the Storm series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham & Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series showcases stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm of June 10, 2021.

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Power lines jeopardise World Heritage bid

13-11-2021

Power lines jeopardise World Heritage bid

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The Good Grub Club: Sharing food and love

12-11-2021

WE MIGHT be seen as the wellness, spa and foodie capital of Victoria, but behind closed doors many people continue to be supported each week thanks to the efforts of Daylesford's Good Grub Club volunteers and community support.

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Kate Taylor imagines no more disability tropes

12-11-2021

IMAGINE there’s no disability tropes. I wonder if you can.

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Kyle’s Rant

11-11-2021

I KNOW I should thank my lucky stars living the life I live and being born into a first world community, having hot dinners on the table every night and a reliable car to run around in.

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Just sayin’…

11-11-2021

WENT to a function the other day. It was pretty exciting. I even washed my hair. It's not that hard once you get around to it.

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Susie O’Neill and how tragedy can turn to triumph

08-11-2021

WHEN Susie O’Neill was writing When Bad Things Happen...Good Things Can Grow, to be launched in Daylesford next month, she couldn’t believe how her title turned into reality.

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Flowers of joy

08-11-2021

THE shopfronts of Daylesford and surrounds will come alive later this month with 120 beautiful floral installations designed to celebrate spring and move towards a better future.

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Celebrating five years at STIHL Shop Daylesford

08-11-2021

AS A youngster Dave Osborn would spend time with his grandfather who was in the logging trade. He learnt how to use a chainsaw and a passion for power garden tools, and particularly the STIHL brand, started to grow.

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Daylesford Bowling Club holds open day

DAYLESFORD Bowling Club held its open day for the 2021/2022 season on Saturday, November 6.

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More footage from June 2021 storm-affected properties

03-11-2021

Over the past few months, Bushfire Recovery Victoria has been capturing video footage from June 2021 storm-affected properties which have registered with BRV’s clean-up program. They include Diana and Shane who took over the Jubilee Lake Caravan Park just two months earlier.

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footage from June 2021 storm-affected properties

03-11-2021

Over the past few months, Bushfire Recovery Victoria has been capturing video footage from June 2021 storm-affected properties which have registered with BRV’s clean-up program. They include Central Highland local Paul Ulrik.

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The Last Word: The history of Vaughan Springs

25-10-2021

VAUGHAN was once a bustling town known as The Junction and the name itself conjures up images from the wild west, gunslinging bushrangers and miners duking it out on the muddy streets.

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BOOM Clunes up for Mainstreet awards

25-10-2021

BOOM Clunes has been shortlisted in the Mainstreet Australia awards to be announced in November. The awards have been running for 20 years and recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses or volunteers who ensure the ongoing success and survival of main streets.

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Kate Taylor does not write inspiration porn

25-10-2021

I DO not write inspiration porn. If you don’t know me, or this is the first time you’ve read anything by me, for over 12 months I have been writing stories for a disability support service provider. About giving voice to the people they provide support to.

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Movie extras needed

25-10-2021

A FEATURE film, In God’s Care, is being shot in Hepburn Shire in November and December - and they need extras! Harvest Pictures Group co-CEO Tony Coombs said the film was inspired by tragic and true events which happened in the mid-90s but the story line was being kept under wraps for the time being.

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Moderna booster but not for ‘old and fat’

25-10-2021

A SEPTEMBER 17 CNN online story was headlined: “Moderna's vaccine is the most effective, but Pfizer and J&J also protect well, CDC-led study says”. That news suited me just fine - as previously reported in this fine publication, I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine in January and took the second shot in February.

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Daylesford to come alive with ‘Art on Vincent’

25-10-2021

DAYLESFORD'S town centre will come alive with colour when ‘Art on Vincent’ kicks off this Friday. As part of the 2021 Daylesford Art Show, hosted by Rotary, the exciting new concept will bring artwork to the community and truly highlight our region's remarkable talent.

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Vale Bob McKinnon

25-10-2021

SILENCE fell over the small town of Clunes last Tuesday in a beautiful farewell for town stalwart Bob McKinnon. A small family service ended in a community event that some locals have described as a once in a lifetime moment.

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Stories of the Storm

25-10-2021

SANDY Scheltema's Stories of the Storm series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham & Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series showcases stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm of June 10, 2021.

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Fresh wave of myxomatosis concern for domestic pets

25-10-2021

RABBITS came to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788 and were bred and maintained as food animals with more introduced in later years for recreational huntin

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Clay trail roadmap

25-10-2021

The Central Victorian Clay Trail is one roadmap that will lead you on a journey of discovery to the inner sanctums of the region’s ceramicists and help blow out the lockdown cobwebs.

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Romsey Stranger winner

WHILE the pandemic killed off the Words in Winter writers’ festival for the second year, it couldn’t stop a vigorous short story competition under the theme of The Stranger.

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Water win for Hepburn students

19-10-2021

Central Highlands Water commenced National Water Week celebrations with the announcement of Hepburn Primary School students winning the region’s poster competition.

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Planning underway for theatre upgrade at Daylesford Hospital

19-10-2021

Central Highlands Rural Health has commenced planning for the upgrade to its theatre facilities at Daylesford Health. Regional Health Infrastructure Fund recently announced an allocation of $4.5 million for the upgrade that will re-develop the theatre and sterilising areas at the hospital.

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Art X Music exhibition opens at Mt Franklin

11-10-2021

NICK Carpenter's Music Is My Muse exhibition will open at the Wildwood Instruments Art Gallery at Mount Franklin on the Cup Day long weekend, October 30.

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News from Ballarat Health

14-10-2021

As part of the state-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballarat Base Hospital is now a designated streaming hospital for adult COVID-19 patients, as required. Ballarat Health Services will continue to provide the best possible care for our community and broader Victoria.

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Lauren’s continuing passion for media

11-10-2021

CLUNES local Lauren Goodrham has always had a passion for the media. Working part time as a 15-year-old camera assistant at the then Ballarat television station BTV-6 to now owning one of Australia’s leading audio agencies based in Ballarat, Lauren was instrumental in paving the way for female camera operators at a time when women were generally in front of the camera.

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A gratitude page to our Local Legends!

11-10-2021

The Local asked people to tell us who is helping them through this tough time, and our readers responded. Some were quite specific and others just sent us the names of their legends. Send us more and we will print them in the next edition. Email: donna@tlnews.com.au

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Stories of the Storm

11-10-2021

SANDY Scheltema's Stories of the Storm series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham & Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series aims to showcase stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm of June 10, 2021.

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Wombat fundraiser

11-10-2021

MUSICAL tribute to the wombat is the feature of a Daylesford benefit concert for the planned Central Victoria Wildlife Hospital.

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Kyle’s Rant

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Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

YOU will find it hard to believe but I get annoyed at times. Yep, kind, placid me. If you really want proof, just ask Kyle. Maybe don't.

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Can you help beautiful Sadie live her best life? Woof…

11-10-2021

BEAUTIFUL Sadie is a purpose-bred golden retriever born with a hereditary genetic condition issue known as ectopic ureter(s).

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CresFest: A new style festival in an old style town

11-10-2021

NEWLYN resident, fundraiser and musician Judy Turner was coming to the end of a contract with Sovereign Hill, when an epiphany occurred – what better thing to do in retirement than to start a new festival, right here in beautiful Creswick?

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Take a bow, young writers and dreamers

THIS is the second in The Local's series of primary students tackling the topic My Dream and secondary students on The Stranger for the Words in Winter festival.

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Take a bow, young writers and dreamers

THIS is the second in The Local's series of primary students tackling the topic My Dream and secondary students on The Stranger for the Words in Winter festival.

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Take a bow, young writers and dreamers

The Stranger for the Words in Winter festival.

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Joe Camilleri: Country life, music and gardens

HE IS one of Australia’s favourite rockers, an ARIA Hall of Famer and together with The Black Sorrows he’s sold more than two million albums.

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Covid-19 care factor zero in California

A FEW Fridays ago I went out for lunch with a vaccinated friend. Isn’t that a sign of the times - I don’t describe him as an old friend, a good mate, someone I’ve known since high school, who I’ve shared many adventures with over the years. No, he’s a vaccinated friend.

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Funding for Talbot

NEW outdoor exercise equipment has been installed at a park in Talbot, thanks to funding from the state government. Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas opened the Activating Talbot project last week. It was given a $150,000 investment from the Healthy Heart of Victoria initiative.

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Glen, about the house

SPRING persists, even if it’s only vacillating between icy rain and those fleeting wind-cooled sunny spells.

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Japanese artists’ connection with Trentham

VISUAL artists Akiko Nagino and Takahiko Sugawara met in 2006 and they are still together, travelling and making works. Growing up in Tōhoku the remote and scenic north east region of Honshu, Japan's largest island, they both completed studies at Tōhoku University of Art and Design in the city of Yamagata.

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GDTA guidebook for walks and bike rides

MOST people heading out into the bush for a walk or a mountain bike ride don’t have all day, so the Great Dividing Trail Association has produced a new guidebook, consisting of walks and bike rides within the Daylesford region, all short enough to complete in four hours.

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Stories of the Storm

SANDY Scheltema's Stories of the Storm series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham & Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series aims to showcase stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm of June 10, 2021.

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BlazeAid: Ready to help but hit by red tape

WHEN the Black Saturday Fires ripped through Kevin and Rhonda Butler’s farm at East Kilmore in 2009, their immediate concern was the safety of their sheep.

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Battles continue for hospitality businesses

HOSPITALITY businesses around the Central Highlands are doing it tough as Melbourne remains closed and inside limits remain at just 10 people per building.

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The Last Word: Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club

26-09-2021

HELEN Jenkin joined the Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club as a player in 1967, before becoming secretary the following year, holding the position until 1970. She was also president for two years from 1987 and started running the juniors for 10 years from 1997.

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Pothole causing costly chaos but no compo

16-08-2021

A MAJOR pothole on the Ballan-Daylesford Road near Victoria Park in Daylesford has caused thousands of dollars in damage to residents' and visitors' vehicles.

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Housing policy but no quick fix on cards

16-08-2021

HEPBURN Shire Council has included funding for a strategic plan into an affordable housing policy in its June budget but there will be no quick fix.

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Pets@Work

16-08-2021

Working in real estate is not all about selling property, as Belle Property Trentham's Fiona Kelly has found out.

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Soccer star loving community life in Daylesford

16-08-2021

IT'S a fairly safe bet that there are few people who can say with certainty that the pandemic helped their business. Former Young England soccer star Lee Stevens, now of Daylesford, attributes this to his recruitment firm thriving, not that this gives him a sense of pleasure.

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16-08-2021

Let's celebrate the return of Wattle Day Glenlyon has revisited and revitalised the celebration of Wattle Day, once an annual one-day salute to our national floral emblem, the wattle, but this year it is embraced in a week long feast of poetry and art commencing on August 8.

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Pets@Work

02-08-2021

Harry, a seven-year-old labradoodle, loves working at Hepburn Community Radio.

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From Doggy to AFL premierships: Pearcy’s parade

02-08-2021

A YOUNG man starts out with the Daylesford Football Netball Club. Impossible, then, to even think that one day he would stand on the dais at the MCG with a premiership AFL team.

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Communities rally together after the storm

19-06-2021

THE great storm of June 9/10 will go down in history as one of the most devastating events in the Central Highlands. Thousands of trees came down, crashing onto homes, cars, sheds, fences and powerlines. More continue to fall as people deal with the aftermath and the clean-up.

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Storm damage and relief in sight for Trentham

10-06-2021

Just a few photos of some of the damage around the region

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Completing Year 12 in the time of Covid

07-06-2021

AS KIARA Clifton says, it’s been a year like no other. The Glenlyon resident, who completed Year 12 last year at Daylesford College, concedes that there are many worse off, but says she is not alone in feeling ripped off by Covid. Kiara chatted with Donna Kelly.

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Cinema frustration

07-06-2021

THE Daylesford Cinema Committee is "frustrated, bitterly disappointed and gobsmacked" that plans for the Hepburn Hub at The Rex are being revisited by Hepburn Shire Council, with the project now being workshopped by councillors.

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High tea at Daylesford Bowling Club

07-06-2021

THERE has never been a better time to indulge in a high tea - designed to take you away from reality and into a more pleasant era where people took time to sit back and indulge in decadent food and gentle conversation.

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Embracing the six seasons of our land

07-06-2021

A TRADITIONAL smoking ceremony, community elders, a didgeridoo performance and a captivated audience of school children, set the scene for the unveiling of an amazing indigenous mural depicting the six main seasons of Djandak.

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Pets@Work

07-06-2021

These pigeons have certainly chosen a great perch.

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Aussie rules future bright for Chloe Leonard

07-06-2021

AS ANY regular follower of Australian rules football will be aware, women’s footy has really taken off. While state based leagues emerged as far back as the 1980s it was really only in the past decade that the women’s game became professionalised.

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Rush to buy regional double-edged sword

05-06-2021

ALL tiers of government need to think and act faster with Covid leading more and more people to regional lives, says REIV president Leah Calnan.

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Kevin Tolhurst – a life devoted to forests and fires

01-06-2021

KEVIN Tolhurst is one of many leading Australian foresters whose career commenced with training at the Creswick School of Forestry.

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The little school that could

24-05-2021

FOR 163 years, Newlyn Primary School has seen many changes in its time.

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Hepburn Hub at The Rex project in doubt

24-05-2021

The current Hepburn Hub at The Rex project may be cancelled.

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Pets@Work

24-05-2021

Rod Poxon is the greens director at the Daylesford Bowling Club - and is usually there with his dog Minty.

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The final Daylesford Football Club report with Brendan Murray!

09-07-2021

Daylesford Football Club reports with Brendan Murray

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Push for national parks

15-05-2021

MORE than 40 state, national and international groups, representing hundreds of thousands of Victorians, have called on the Victorian Government to accept recommendations for new national parks in Victoria’s central west.

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Biggest Morning Tea at Daylesford Bowls Club

15-05-2021

The Daylesford Bowling Club will be busy this Monday, May 17, with a Biggest Morning Tea event at 10.30am.

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Lending many helping hands to refugees

15-05-2021

GREGORY Clark joined the Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees three years ago. He heard about three Malaysian refugees living in Melton sleeping on blankets on the floor with only three plastic chairs, three cups, bowls, spoons, and an esky for a fridge.

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Ford: Councillor, horticulturalist, artist

15-05-2021

THE Clunes Town Hall and Courthouse is a striking municipal building designed by Percy Oakden. Built in 1872, the distinctive building reflected the prosperity of a gold mining town in its heyday. But this is not a story about the Clunes Town Hall as such, though it is worth mentioning that the grand building has recently had a substantial makeover, returning it to its original glory.

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Concern over transmission lines

15-05-2021

HEPBURN Shire Council says it continues to advocate on behalf of community groups concerned about the construction of 190km of overhead transmission lines, proposed as part of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.

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Pets@Work

15-05-2021

Dougie the labrador is only five months old but is already hard at work at laundry service Daylesford Green.

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Attitude, attendance and ability

09-05-2021

IT’S a long way from its origins in Korea, but tang soo tao has quickly become a popular martial art in Daylesford where it is being taught at the ARC at Daylesford College.

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Eggs, wine: Uber balloon?

26-04-2021

AUTUMN evenings in Daylesford are peaceful affairs at Rob Alexander and Ros Marsden’s Mistover property. So when a sudden roar engulfed their house on recent afternoon, they rushed outside to investigate the menacing sound.

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Pets@Work

26-04-2021

Jay-Jay (rear) and Didak are hard working office companions for Brendan Hutchinson (front) and Troy Daff of Daylesford Country Retreats.

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Lest We Forget

26-04-2021

Numbers were down at some Anzac Day services around the region, again thanks to Covid concerns.

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Ambulance times cause for country concern

26-04-2021

HEPBURN Shire residents have “a valid concern” about the time it could take for an ambulance to arrive in an emergency, Mayor Lesley Hewitt has told The Local.

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Design with Indre

12-04-2021

CALLED the Cathedral of the Wimmera, the Stick Shed is certainly impressive and well worth a drive to Murtoa, whose indigenous name means land of the lizard.

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Glen, about the house

12-04-2021

The good, the bad & the hungry!

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Local Lines

12-04-2021

Imagine being surrounded all the time

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Creating BOOM in Clunes to avoid a bust

12-04-2021

THERE is something truly special about living in a smaller community. The sense of connectedness, caring and support, in good times and in bad, continues to live on in smaller communities across Australia, and it’s seen every day across the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shires.

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Celebrating 40 years of the Daylesford Sunday Market

12-04-2021

DAYLESFORD Sunday Market, at Daylesford Railway Station, celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday, April 18 - with plenty of fun for everyone.

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A century on, a dinkum digger’s medals glisten

12-04-2021

ALF Morrison of Yandoit was two months short of his 21st birthday when a bullet cut him down. Now, 104 years later, his nephew, 89-year-old Don Morrison, plans to wear replicas of Alf’s medals at the Anzac Day service in Daylesford. The two medals shine brilliantly on Don’s chest as he talks in his Yandoit home, with its glorious views of the countryside, including Mt Franklin.

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Pets@Work

12-04-2021

Belle the pug, and Lola the border collie spend their days at Tylden's Springhill Nursery & Garden working hard as therapy dogs

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It’s a grave job but Alan never lost the plot

12-04-2021

ALAN Graham, gravedigger at Daylesford Cemetery, is tall and weather tanned, with the demeanour of a solitary man who has worked with his hands for a long time.

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COVID vaccine roll-out in Hepburn Shire

29-03-2021

Trentham Aged Care Facility was bustling with activity and there was an air of excitement when the Grampians' mobile vaccination team from Ballarat Health Services arrived with the AstraZeneca vaccine last week to begin vaccinating aged care residents.

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Kyle’s Rant

29-03-2021

HOW often have you heard “We are experiencing higher than normal call volumes right now” or “all of our team are busy, please hold and we will answer your call as soon as possible”? All while patiently waiting on the phone listening to music from the 1980s that is designed to take you back to a simpler time and calm you down.

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European wasps on the wane, or are they?

29-03-2021

ONE of the more pleasant things about autumn, once the crowds have evaporated after ChillOut, is taking advantage of the remaining few weeks of daylight saving to head into town in the cool of the evening for a wander.

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Thursday means Steak Night at the Daylesford

29-03-2021

THURSDAY is our deadline for The Local so we rarely go out. Too tired, over each other. But that is something we will change after heading to the Daylesford Hotel last Thursday.

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Peter Waters: Running his own race

29-03-2021

PETER Waters lives by two mottos…never give up and always do your best. Despite living with cerebral palsy and being a wheelchair user, Peter does just that and proudly admits he runs his own race.

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Pets@Work

29-03-2021

Molly, an 11-month-old Brittany, can be found at Quality Floorz in Daylesford with owner Jill Barker.

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Just sayin’…

15-03-2021

IT'S been a strange week in an even stranger 12 months.

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Kyle’s Rant

15-03-2021

SO, ARE we on Team Markle or Team Queen or Team “don’t give a toss”?

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Good Friday Appeal

15-03-2021

EASTER is not far off, with Good Friday on April 2, and that means it's also time to donate, if you can, to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

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The life and times of our Swiss Italian settlers

15-03-2021

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Corruption, intrigue and damn delays and danger

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Exotic fauna or a pesky pest? Still no idea!

15-03-2021

BACK in the 1880s various species of deer were introduced to Australia as game animals and their descendants remain in forests across Australia.

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Beautiful blooming begonias…and bees

15-03-2021

BEGONIAS have captured the imagination of flower lovers for hundreds of years with their almost quirky and often flamboyant offerings.

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Alice, crossing the desert of love and Sufism

15-03-2021

TRENTHAM novelist Alice Melike Ülgezer’s life is like a best-selling thriller, or even a riveting TV series.

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How Basil brewed a golden beauty

15-03-2021

LYONVILLE'S Basil Eliades was on a break down the coast when a thought struck him. Why not, he pondered, enter my vodka in an international competition. Hundreds of kilometres away at home, his wife Jane was thinking the same.

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Kyneton frontline workers get COVID jab

15-03-2021

FRONTLINE workers at Central Highlands Rural Health's Kyneton campus received the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 last week.

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Pets@Work

15-03-2021

Fiona Harris adopted Luna five years ago and now she is working from home in Glenlyon, has her employed in her business, Aromatic Healing.

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Your say on the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

08-03-2021

THE Friends of the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens committee is encouraging the local community to contribute comments to the draft Master Plan for the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.

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Electronic control addictive for Aimee

08-03-2021

NEWSTEAD musician Aimee Chapman has been working at her craft since the 1990s, with her career based on jazz studies at Victorian College of the Arts and Music, majoring in lead vocals.

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A fungus lover’s foray into fun foraging

08-03-2021

INTEREST in foraging for wild food is on the rise, and magnificent mushrooms are very much on the menu. But if you’re gathering your own, you’ve got to get it right. From the right knowledge and equipment, to following a forager's Code of Practice.

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Wild horses couldn’t keep her away

08-03-2021

THE Rolling Stones wrote a song about them and now Clunes' own resident Leslie Scott has her own incredible story about wild horses that became the focus of her life during COVID.

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Pets@Work

08-03-2021

IRISH wolfhounds, Fearghal, left, and Flynn, right, certainly punch above their weight, more than 75kg each, helping out at Trentham Post Office.

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Travel: Water views and Western Victoria

01-03-2021

A COUPLE of weeks ago we headed over to Nagambie and then up to Moama. The first real escape in about 15 months. It was great to get away for a few nights. So good we thought we would try it again. This time, over west and down to Port Fairy.

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Pets@Work

01-03-2021

Miss Mollie, a three-year-old schmoodle, works with Father Gary Jones, the priest for St Peter’s Daylesford and St Augustine’s Creswick parishes.

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The Last Word: Another shot in the arm

01-03-2021

Vaccination Part II

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Just sayin’…

01-03-2021

SO FEBRUARY has just finished up. And that means FebFast is over. Which is good because I failed miserably at giving up alcohol. But do I blame myself? Of course not.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-03-2021

THE other day I went on a photoshoot - I know, no big deal but bear in mind during the pandemic the old camera bag sat in the corner and collected dust.

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New category mooted for Wombat Forest

01-03-2021

THE investigation into public land in the state’s Central West region was commissioned by the Victorian Government in 2017.

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Hepburn Shire’s housing crisis in focus

01-03-2021

A GROUP of Hepburn Shire residents is determined to spotlight the issues of the housing crisis in the shire.

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A chance meeting, friendship and a time to shine

01-03-2021

ANGUS O’Callaghan always dreamed of becoming a famous photographer. Fascinated by people going about their daily lives, Angus captured shots of Melbourne. Shots that evoke memories for those who lived or visited Melbourne in the 60s.

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Festival: fun and fundraising

01-03-2021

ON SATURDAY, March 13, the Macedon Ranges Festival will take place in Gisborne providing some much needed live music for people in the area after a year of not much at all.

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Kyle’s Rant

08-02-2021

THIS year I find myself dragging my feet. I am technically challenged once again and feel like my cobwebbed brain is just not keeping up.

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Glen, About the house

08-02-2021

It's all about the birds and the bees

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Just 15 and creating futuristic folk songs

08-02-2021

SAGE Roadknight, 15, is a singer/songwriter from the Macedon Ranges creating, in her own words, futuristic folk music. She comes from a musical family and has been involved with music for pretty much her whole life, starting with piano at the age of six.

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At one with a horse’s heart

08-02-2021

WHEN a group of 20 strangers, from all walks of life, all ages and all parts of Victoria, gathered together on a property in Drummond North last weekend to take part in a two-hour healing program involving horses, no-one really knew what to expect.

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Dr Monica Nolan at the COVID front line

08-02-2021

FRANKLINFORD’S Dr Monica Nolan is among those leading the way in developing and implementing an innovative program monitoring wastewater across Victoria state for traces of the COVID pathogen as an early detection tool.

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Local Lines

08-02-2021

Big ears and noddies

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Bullarto Primary: The little school that could

08-02-2021

A TINY school nestled at the edge of the Wombat State Forest has a simple but formidable motto: Where the forest meets the school and the children greet the future. And it has never been more relevant.

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Local Lines

15-02-2021

Silence and Pain

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Just sayin’…

15-02-2021

IT'S Sunday morning, well, almost noon, and I have just decided to rewrite this column. I had one done and dusted but I thought about it overnight and decided it was too gloomy. And one thing we don't need right now is gloomy. So here are some more upbeat things and thoughts.

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Kyle’s Rant

15-02-2021

AS YOU are probably aware, unless you have been under a rock somewhere, we have had another couple of recent slip-ups from the hotel quarantine.

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Design with Indre

15-02-2021

Bench parking

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Glen, Around the house

15-02-2021

Then the rains came down…

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Pets@Work

15-02-2021

THANKS to demand, The Local is bringing back Pets@Work. So if you know someone who has a pet at work, dog, cat, hamster, rabbit or other, let us know. Email donna@tlnews.com.au

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Uncovering the history of the Convent Gallery

15-02-2021

THE Presentation Sisters, officially the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are a religious institute of Roman Catholic women founded in Cork, Ireland, by a pioneer of Catholic education Nano Nagle in 1775. Historically, the Sisters have focused their energies on creating and staffing schools to educate young women.

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Playing games at Woodend

15-02-2021

DAVID Haines, a Woodend resident, has been playing board games for about 20 years and wondered if there were other local board game players within the community.

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Plenty of attitude for those ageing in Clunes

15-02-2021

THE Clunes Senior Citizens Centre in Fraser Street had been central to the needs of its older residents since the early 1970s. Sadly 2020 and the restrictions on social gatherings brought about the dissolution of the centre and a 50-year chapter of community history came to a close. The building, with its range of meeting rooms suitable for a whole range of intellectual, physical and artistic pursuits lay empty and silent.

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Carnies coming to curbsides near you

01-02-2021

HER stage name portrays her perfectly – Sophie deLightful. And delightful she is. While thousands of Victorian artists and performers were starved of work and an income, Sophie turned a negative (she had a double whammy – an entertainer and a home-based travel agent) into a positive and was the inspiration behind pop-up circus Curbside Carnies.

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Artist Dorothy Enders keen to hang work

01-02-2021

THE Kyneton Art Group has been operating for more than 40 years. Its members meet every Tuesday at the Red Brick Hall in Yaldwyn Street Kyneton. The aim of the group has always been to provide fellowship and a space for artistic creativity.

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Communities rally around Brad Fernando

01-02-2021

COMMUNITIES around the Central Highlands, Ballarat, Bendigo and beyond are rallying for wine connoisseur and regional wine advocate Brad Fernando, after he was diagnosed last year with an aggressive tumour of the jaw.

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Alex loving new work at Hepburn House

25-01-2021

Alessandro 'Alex' Micheli moved from Florence, Italy 25 years ago, taking up an IT position in Albury, New South Wales.

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Loving the locks at Lake Daylesford

25-01-2021

"SHE said yes!", is inscribed in one of the many lovelocks starting to take over the spillway bridge outside the historic change rooms at Lake Daylesford.

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Changing women’s lives – one pack at a time

25-01-2021

IT'S hard to imagine that in today’s day and age, girls and women across the world are denied access to basic sanitary needs. While periods are a part of every woman’s life, thousands endure unthinkable hardships, simply by being a woman.

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Uncovering Lauriston’s history

25-01-2021

THE hamlet of Lauriston, nestled in the Coliban Valley between Drummond and Kyneton, boasts around 235 residents. It is a figure, give or take a dozen people, that has remained unchanged since World War I.

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Just sayin’…

25-01-2021

OUR US correspondent Jeff Glorfeld sent us a very, well, sort of funny, piece for this edition. He and his wife Carol, former Wheatsheaf residents now living in Redding, California had their first vaccine shots last Saturday, January 16. Read all about it on the back page. Oh, and tune into the podcast at www.tlnews.com.au/podcast

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Kyle’s Rant

25-01-2021

THE few people I know, know I have a boating lineage. I like a sailor’s life and feel most at home aboard a vessel plying the brine.

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Beating the odds with incredible will power

25-01-2021

TWENTY-three-year-old Michael Smith is nothing short of inspirational. The Macedon Ranges resident has overcome the odds to become an inspirational role model for others and to prove that anything is possible even when you are paralysed on one side and unable to enjoy all the things able-bodied people do.

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Staying positive about the live music scene

25-01-2021

IF you’re a musician you definitely know how abysmal last year was for getting out and showcasing your music. And if you think it was bad in the capital cities, spare a thought for the people operating in regional areas like here.

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Junior bowlers compete at Daylesford

25-01-2021

THE 15th Annual Junior Provincial Championship was held at Daylesford Bowling Club, competing for the Flapper Family Shield and BDBD Medallions.

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A shot in the arm

25-01-2021

ON JANUARY 16 I received a COVID-19 vaccination. This is how it happened.

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Just sayin’…

18-01-2021

IT'S been a funny couple of weeks. Mainly thanks to our readers. It started with an email after a reader noticed that Kyle's Rant had been truncated down to "I'm out, write your own rant here".

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Kyle’s Rant

18-01-2021

I WROTE a rant a couple of editions ago that declared I was done for the year and asked if, for one edition of our free reading offering, you (the readers) wouldn’t mind popping your own rant in the allotted space.

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The Last Word – A pandemic reading guide

18-01-2021

IT LOOKED like Victoria had beaten COVID-19 into submission, and then new cases began leaking in from NSW.

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Bread tags: From little things big things grow

18-01-2021

BREAD tags, those pesky coloured plastic squares used to close bags of bread, are in high demand. From Woodend, and all across Australia, they are collected and recycled to fund wheelchairs for disadvantaged South Africans.

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Why not everyone’s a fan of a solar farm

18-01-2021

IT’S hard to find anyone today who is not in agreement about the need to find alternative replacements to fossil fuels. A recent poll by the Lowy Institute found 84 per cent of Australians believe that governments should increase investment in this area.

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Pandemic pivot: Seat swap for Steve

18-01-2021

AS THE the events of the year 2020 played themselves out across the world, perhaps one of the most visual manifestations of its far-reaching effects was the sight of dozens of aircraft lined up at disused airports across the world. Grounded almost instantly as international and domestic travel ground to a halt when borders closed, it was certainly not a good time to be holding your life savings in airline company stock.

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Rewiring neural pathways part of healthy ageing

18-01-2021

THERE is a commonly held assumption that as people get older they tend to fall into rigid habits and are less able to quickly learn and acquire new forms of knowledge. As people enter their 50s and 60s there may just be an element of truth in such assumptions; at least if one does not take steps to disprove them.

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Mobile phones out at Bullarto/Lyonville

14-01-2021

A Telstra blackspot mobile phone tower at Bullarto is out of action after it was damaged by thieves who stole copper cabling which provides power to the site.

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One step forward… the Hepburn Hub

21-12-2020

THERE is no doubt, the Hepburn Hub at The Rex in Vincent Street, Daylesford has been an absolute disaster from the outset.

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Just sayin’…

21-12-2020

SO, THIS is Christmas, And what have you done? Another year over, A new one just begun. And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun, The near and the dear ones, The old and the young. A very merry Christmas, And a happy New Year, Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear. And so this is Christmas, For weak and for strong, The rich and the poor ones, The road is so long.

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Kyle’s Rant

21-12-2020

I DON'T have a lot to add to these Christmas festivities except “we don’t know how lucky we are mate” - that is, us living in the land down under compared to the Northern Hemisphere.

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Magic hour in the Wombat Forest

21-12-2020

MOVING can become a habit with some people. Carol and I drifted through our share of flats and houses in St Kilda and Elwood before we finally settled on a five-acre block in Wheatsheaf. It wasn’t that we were stuck, or had lost the urge to pack up and go, it’s just that the thought of living anywhere else just didn’t quite feel right.

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Bland life in Clunes

21-12-2020

THE site of the old Port Phillip Mine in Clunes is nothing but an intriguing pile of dirt and gorse these days. But while every scrap of plant and infrastructure has been long obliterated, the remains still dominate the heart of the town.

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Glen, about the house

21-12-2020

2020 - Groundhog Day revisited

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Joan looks back on sowing her wild Oates

21-12-2020

THE many friends of Joan Oates remark on her capacity to respond to life with grit and determination. She is seen as a shining example of independence and strength, with a wonderful, sometimes wicked, sense of humour and a sharp, observant mind.

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Local Lines

21-12-2020

Back tracking

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Kerryn Wildenburg: Out of the darkness, into the light

21-12-2020

THERE are people in this world who are so truly inspirational, that it’s hard to know where to begin to tell their story.

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Pandemic has brought people back to reality: Don

21-12-2020

CR DON Henderson asks to meet me at Caleembeen Park. He proudly tells me he was recently successful in achieving funding after lobbying for 12 years for upgrades at the popular swimming spot, including making it more accessible for those with disabilities.

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Group taking action on vegetable front

21-12-2020

MANY readers find statistics and reports awfully tedious, so let’s get them out of the way right now.

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Lighting up Trentham

21-12-2020

TRENTHAM Houses have been vying for the title of best Christmas decorations.

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A very Christmassy Clunes

21-12-2020

Christmas lights in Clunes!

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Harry’s Lights in West Street Daylesford

21-12-2020

HARRY Scascighinis's lights in West Street have been a Daylesford institution for more than 20 years. He started off small. They all start off small but then the obsession grows.

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Tour the Daylesford Rex

18-12-2020

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Floyd finds forever home

14-12-2020

FLOYD first appeared in The Local's Pick Me, pick me column in May. He announced to the world: "I am a charming playful guy looking for an indoor, solo cat home. I am FIV positive, so I need a bit of extra care to keep me healthy. FIV can lower the effectiveness of my immune system when I am stressed but generally cats with the disease can live normal lifespans. I’m worth the effort because I am social and confident."

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Kyle’s Rant

14-12-2020

RECENTLY we visited the city (it was a Monday and dead) and once we had checked into our hotel room, a ritzy two-bedroom apartment on the 22nd floor for under $200 (cheap as, bro), we were off for lunch.

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Just sayin’…

14-12-2020

THE mask thing is strange now. Yes, you have to wear them in places like large shopping centres and supermarkets but not in smaller shops, unless you can't socially distance.

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Welcome to Dollywood

14-12-2020

IT’S no secret that Daylesford and the wider region is a destination of choice for many in the public eye. Some say it’s because they can enjoy privacy. For others it’s a place to blend in with the locals and tourists alike.

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Cr Juliet Simpson reviving a family tradition

14-12-2020

THE new councillor for Holcombe Ward is Juliet Simpson, and her connections to the area go back to the late 19th century. Her great-great grandfather, William Stanbridge, settled in the district before the gold rush four generations ago and became a sheep farmer.

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Out of the frying pan…

14-12-2020

IT'S been an 'unprecedented' year and for most Central Highlands residents it's been one of lockdowns but also open spaces for enjoying masked walks. But for some former residents it's been a different year. Some better, some worse. "Out of the frying pan…into ???. In the fourth of our series, former Glenlyon resident Jill de Vos, pictured far right, talks about life in Europe with partner Shelley Beer, right, aboard their boat SV Eucalyptus.

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Redesale quilt

07-12-2020

COMMEMORATIVE Quilt, a book which charts the creation of a triptych quilt made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the opening and naming of the Redesdale Bridge on January 23, 1868, has been published.

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Volunteering role leads to Clunes councillor move

07-12-2020

COUNCILLOR Tessa Halliday’s infectious smile lights up her face as many locals driving past slow down to wave and chat.

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Punk lives on

07-12-2020

MUSICIAN Steve Douglas has been living in Daylesford with his partner and band mate Stacy Kilpatrick for 16 years. He grew up in the USA but decided to stay here after performing at the Harrietville Bluegrass and Traditional Music Convention in 2004. Best if Steve describes the circumstance that made him an Daylesford Aussie.

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No picnic at Hanging Rock

07-12-2020

WHEN Dr Amy Spiers, artist, writer and researcher, chose Woodend’s Hanging Rock to study as part of her artistic research into a significant Australian landmark, she had no idea where her work would take her.

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War on waste

07-12-2020

A GROUP of Hepburn Shire residents has recently started their own war on waste - and they're looking for input from the wider community to collaborate and contribute across the shire's communities.

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Just sayin’…

07-12-2020

I MUST say I was pretty surprised to see an email in my inbox saying COVID-19 had been detected in the wastewater of Daylesford.

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Kyle’s rant

07-12-2020

CRUISING around the world on giant cruise ships is my idea of luxe. I am not talking about those boats that have a maze of slides running over the top of them for the kiddies to enjoy or the craft that have a giant ball on the top for the best view.

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Out of the frying pan…into???

07-12-2020

IT'S been an 'unprecedented' year and for most Central Highlands residents it's been one of lockdowns but also open spaces for enjoying masked walks.

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COVID detected in wastewater in Daylesford

03-12-2020

Breaking news.

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Out of the frying pan…

30-11-2020

IT'S been an 'unprecedented' year and for most Central Highlands residents it's been one of lockdowns but also open spaces for enjoying masked walks. But for some former residents it's been a different year. Some better, some worse. "Out of the frying pan…into ???. In the second of our series, former Daylesford resident Helen Greenwood talks about life in Tasmania with her husband Andy and pooch Chewie.

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Kyle’s Rant

30-11-2020

ANOTHER year is ending, the hint of Christmas is in the air. I can tell by all the sales emails that are pinging into my inbox. What is this Black Friday rubbish that keeps hitting my spam account?

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Just sayin’…

30-11-2020

I WAS watching the news this morning, well not really the news, more morning television with a two-minute bit that calls itself news - with half of that given over to sports.

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Keeping up with the Joneses in Clunes

30-11-2020

MOST people are aware of Clunes’ gold mining history. It was home to Victoria's first registered discovery, made by one William Campbell in 1850. Up to the 1890s, gold powered the town’s growth and gave it many fine buildings which survive relatively intact from ornate public halls to austere worker cottages.

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Principal and staff rise to COVID challenge

30-11-2020

DAYLESFORD Primary School, the oldest and longest running school in the town, has seen a lot of changes in its 155-year history.

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To bee, or not to bee

30-11-2020

BEE friendly. Bee friendly to each other and bee friendly to those busy, buzzing, winged creatures currently swarming in big noisy clumps all around the Central Highlands.

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Vision for sustainable future for Hepburn Shire

30-11-2020

Cr Tim Drylie arrives for his photo shoot in an electric car, which he is using to run test drives as part of the Hepburn Wind EV Bulk Buy. He enthusiastically tells me how he’ll plug it in to the power point when he gets home to recharge it. One of two new councillors for Creswick Ward, he has a vision for a sustainable future for the shire.

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Mayor back at Macedon Ranges

30-11-2020

WEST Ward Cr Jennifer Anderson, inset below, has been elected for a one-year mayoral term with Macedon Ranges Shire Council. It is the fourth time Cr Anderson will serve as mayor, having previously been elected in 2014/15, 2016/17 and 2017/18.

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New mayor for Hepburn Shire

30-11-2020

HEPBURN Shire Council has elected Cr Lesley Hewitt (Birch Ward) and Cr Brian Hood (Coliban Ward) as Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

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Out of the frying pan …into ???

23-11-2020

IT'S been an 'unprecedented' year and for most Central Highlands residents it's been one of lockdowns but also open spaces for enjoying masked walks. But for some former residents it's been a different year. Some better, some worse.

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Ray Spencer – Creswick’s own forestry pioneer

23-11-2020

DR RAY Spencer has worn many hats over the years. A Creswick local, he travelled the world as a forestry and urban planning professional with his young family and later as an internationally renowned forest industry expert.

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Home grown and hand made at Trentham

23-11-2020

IRENE and Andrew Brooks have been at their Trentham East/North Blackwood property for 12 years. In that time they have turned a hectare over to a diversified cultivation of fruit trees and market gardens.

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An Aussie in America

23-11-2020

MELBOURNE is a great place for walking. One thing I loved about the tram network was how much exercise I got from walking all through the city.

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Woodend Warblers back to full rehearsals

23-11-2020

BACK in April 2018 Andrew Price saw a post on the Woodend Community Ponderings Facebook page that piqued his interest. Someone had written: ‘Would like to organise a small singing group – any ponderers who would be interested in coordinating?’

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Council to provide for the needs of community

23-11-2020

JEN Bray is one of the two new councillors for Birch Ward and is well known in the Hepburn Shire for her extensive work on community issues. Her commitment to projects such as the Daylesford Skate Park, festivals, youth, and improving the schools, led to many people encouraging her to run as councillor in the recent elections.

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A bell helps give new life to a Blackwood

23-11-2020

A LINK with one of the world’s most famous bells has been found in the tiny town of Blackwood, a discovery that is now part of its renewal.

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Horsin’ around in the family

16-11-2020

THE Conroy family are well known in the harness racing industry and have run trotting training stables in Daylesford since Bob and Pat Conroy bought a five-hectare bush block south of the town in the 1950s. Up to the time he passed in 2017, Bob was a familiar sight in Hepburn Regional Park where he would often venture to exercise his horses.

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Out to Africa: and now helping from here

16-11-2020

A SHY eight-year-old fights to survive alone on what she can find on a rubbish tip in one of Africa’s poorest nations. Fast forward 11 years and, having aced all her exams, Kadiutu waits to see if she’s off to uni to study business.

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An Aussie in America

16-11-2020

California schemin’ The United States of America staged one of its quaint cultural rituals on November 3. Yanks call it election day, but this iteration of the festival elongated into an election week, with the possibility of it becoming election month looming like a 500-kilogram bull moose in the headlights

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3bears: Just right

16-11-2020

ON A 48-acre farm in Tylden, a small family with a love for country living, ethically grown food and a passion for feeding people, is living their dream. 3bearsfarm is home to Tim, Madeleine and baby Leela along with 300 very happy chooks, a small herd of South Devon cattle and four incredibly loyal alpacas, who not only provide a great source of amusement, but guard the chooks’ mobile caravan with their lives.

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Communication, better performance, Trentham

16-11-2020

With six of the seven councillors recently elected to the Hepburn Shire, being new to the game, a sense of optimism and hope exists for more positive interactions between community and council. This weekly series by Sandy Scheltema will explore the new councillors' hopes and wishes for the shire.

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Newstead Live Music Festival back for 2021

16-11-2020

THE last weekend of January has always been a time to look forward to with the running of the Newstead Live Music Festival. It is a four-day event of folk, roots, Americana and Celtic live music performances, as well as workshops, open mic sessions, spoken word performances and has been a popular fixture in Newstead since 2007.

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Melbourne returns

14-11-2020

With the ring of steel down, Melburnians were keen to get back to the regions including the Central Highlands of Victoria.

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Kyneton Art Group goes online and ‘plein air’

09-11-2020

FOR SOME, living in lockdown due to COVID-19 has been a trying time, but for the members of the Kyneton Art Group there has been an upside. With nowhere to go, no interruptions and time on their hands this has provided the opportunity to paint, draw and produce to their hearts’ delight.

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Clunes history

09-11-2020

THE Independent Order of Rechabites is a fraternal organisation founded in England in 1835. Founded by a group of Methodists in Manchester, its name was lifted from the nomadic, teetotaller Rechabites of the Old Testament.

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Noel shadowing This Farm Needs a Farmer

09-11-2020

ONE day in 2015, Melissa Connors struck up a conversation with retired farmer, the late Noel Jenner, who passed by her property every day. She said how dedicated he was to be walking every day no matter the weather. He said: “I am off the farm now, so what else can I do with my time?”

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Hepburn Shire Council: The tribe has spoken

09-11-2020

CRESWICK Ward's Don Henderson is the only former Hepburn Shire Council councillor to remain standing after the October 2020 election. And four of the new councillors are candidates supported by lobby group Community Voice after agreeing to align with the group's charter.

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Love of all things fishing leads to kids’ club

02-11-2020

FINN Masuda is seven years old and loves fishing. His parents Hiroshi and Meaghan have a video of him, not much more than one year old, trying to take the rod off his dad and have a go by himself.

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Finally, it’s time to smell (and taste) the roses

02-11-2020

MARCH 18, 2020. This date is stamped into many people’s memories as the day everything shut. Among them is Lauren Richardson, grower of edible flowers in Glenlyon.

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Chainsaws v. trees: the Buangor battle continues

02-11-2020

A DAYLESFORD family has been relieved by a court ordering a halt to the chain-sawing of ancient gum trees on the Western Highway.

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Hepburn Shire ready for Melburnians’ return

02-11-2020

CHANGES to parking and pedestrian access in Vincent Street, Daylesford will start this Friday with Melbourne visitors ready to return after the removal of the “ring of steel” on Sunday, November 8.

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Floral feast

MARCH 18, 2020. This date is stamped into many people’s memories as the day everything shut. Among them is Lauren Richardson, grower of edible flowers in Glenlyon.

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The Boathouse puts lake view back on menu

26-10-2020

SLOWLY the region is opening up again and people are heading back to their favourite foodie places – although some, like La Luna Pizzeria, have never stopped offering their fabulous fare!

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Guiding a school in the time of COVID-19

26-10-2020

WITH all students in regional Victoria now back face-to-face, principal of Daylesford College Steve MacPhail reflects on the challenges of guiding his school through months of lockdown and a global pandemic.

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Simple life and ethical farming

26-10-2020

WIFE and husband farming team Catherine Taumoefolau-Evans and Bohdan Evans with their three children Angus, Hepi and Leon, have returned to a simpler life.

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Restoring Park Lake to its former glory

19-10-2020

CRESWICK’S Park Lake Botanical Reserve turns 160 this year, but celebrations are on hold until April 18, 2021.

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The quick brown fox always in Barry’s sights

19-10-2020

BARRY is a skilled shooter. His specialty is eradicating introduced feral animals and he is very good at it. But you won’t find him advertising his work in the paper or online. He prefers to remain anonymous.

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Of fish, massive gold and blackberries: Laurie’s world

19-10-2020

YARNING with Laurie Mitchell starts with the strange disappearance of the name plaque from the Daylesford Angling Club rooms, moves into decades of fishing contests, diverts into a fabulous gold find, and even makes its way to home building a hand-hewn, earthen-floored miner’s hut.

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A life-saving project within your back fence

19-10-2020

A LONG road for a pair of former journalists runs from country Queensland to a nursery at Tylden.

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On becoming a local

05-10-2020

DISCLAIMER: The following is an approximation of actual events, some of which may have occurred as described. My relationship with the folks at The Local was cemented over common interests and a question of propriety.

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Journalist, paperboy… living the dream

05-10-2020

I WAS born in Queensland and came to Victoria as a kid when the family purchased a farm in north east Victoria in the late 70s. Both my parents were into fine art and Dad made a good career out of it. Mum spent her time reading, running a horse stud and breeding cattle.

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Dianne: Really connecting the community

05-10-2020

When Kyle and Donna asked me to write a piece for the 200th edition about how I started working with them, I really didn’t know how I would form the words that would show my appreciation to them both for taking me on as a member of the crew.

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Kate Taylor rocking the look with her awards

05-10-2020

IT ALL started with a pile of rocks that ended in an award. Well, kind of. A few years ago, my husband decided we should go for a drive around Hepburn looking at the old-school drystone walls. I had to try and turn it into something that would interest me – a story. It turned out that they’re actually pretty interesting, as well as being a popular geo-tourism attraction.

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Nick and Lindsay, keeping the typos at bay

05-10-2020

BOTH Melbourne born and bred, in 2007 we decided, like numerous other city slickers before and since, to opt for a tree-change. We moved to Daylesford in early 2008, and met and became friends with Kyle and Donna the same year, through our involvement with the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre.

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Blizzards, ferret bites, all in a day’s work

05-10-2020

It’s not very often you’ll see an ad saying “Photographer Wanted” but back in May 2015 while reading The Local one magically appeared before my eyes.

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When telling your story is such a joy

05-10-2020

IT MAY be something as superficially simple as the renaming of a creek. Or as sad as the wanton shooting of a pet pig near Wombat State Forest.

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The Local celebrates its 200th edition

05-10-2020

ONE thing the pandemic has done is bring us to Edition 200 much quicker than we had planned.

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Kyle’s Rant

05-10-2020

I HAVE never been one for settling down. The fact I went to 13 schools in my childhood as my father chased the fish might have something to do with that, but I find myself having lived in the Central Highlands for 15 years now.

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Just sayin’…

05-10-2020

BEING the 200th edition I thought I would try to remember how our crew came along. A trip down memory lane, if you will, in no particular order. (It's a bit long so if you get bored feel free to wander off…maybe check out our new website at www.tlnews.com.au)

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Swiss Italian Festa back on track for 2021

28-09-2020

FORMER Australian House of Representatives speaker and Swiss Italian descendant, Anna Burke, has been appointed patron of Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa. The Festa, like most events, has been cancelled for this year but the committee is already busy working on its return in 2021.

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#Geesegate revealed

28-09-2020

THE chase to remove the geese from Lake Daylesford started with an email query from Birch Ward councillor Fiona Robson on January 23, 2019, Freedom of Information documents show.

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Candidates put up their hands

28-09-2020

MORE than 2000 candidates have nominated for 622 council vacancies in 298 separate elections around Victoria next month.

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To market, to market

28-09-2020

YOU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.

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Gigs with Darren Lowe

28-09-2020

OKAY, some cautious baby steps, but is there light now appearing? The Guildford Hotel has released some gigs in the upcoming weeks with some restrictions in place, but, for music fans this shouldn’t be an obstacle.

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Just sayin’…

28-09-2020

WHEN I lived in Japan, back in my 20s, Mum used to send me the Women's Weekly's Handy Hints.

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Kyle’s Rant

28-09-2020

WHEN making rules such as mask wearing, the various layers of government must have to apply a “slippage” rate. That is a rate for the 15 per cent of society who are colloquially known as “dipshits”.

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Snakes on the move

28-09-2020

AS THE days become warmer, snakes are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Senior Wildlife Management officer Belinda Cant said sunny weather also meant it was more likely people would encounter a snake.

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Social enterprise cafe dropped

21-09-2020

THE total project of The Rex's Hepburn Hub has hit more than $13 million after a shortfall comprised of $221,040 to ensure the building is watertight and another $518,960 "to fund all the works required to complete the project".

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More outdoor dining

21-09-2020

HEPBURN Shire Council is backing its hospitality businesses to adapt to the requirement for more outdoor dining, in areas like Vincent Street, Daylesford (pictured above on Saturday), now COVID-19 restrictions are easing.

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Butch’s model a hit on top auction site

21-09-2020

A MODEL replica of the Glenlyon Shire Hall made by Hepburn’s Butch Tori has sold on prestigious auction site Leonard Joel for $600. The asking price was $200-$300.

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Creswick rental market booming in COVID

14-09-2020

BIGGIN & Scott's Creswick property manager Melissa Johnson said she was finding it hard to keep up with rental enquiries, with a lot coming from Melbourne.

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Working towards a new COVID normal

14-09-2020

REGIONAL Victoria was set to open “imminently”, Daylesford Macedon Tourism CEO Steve Wroe has told The Local.

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Daylesford Post Office – Legends of Lockdown

14-09-2020

LUKE Zu and Steve Mason from Daylesford Post Office are the latest nominations for Legends of Lockdown.

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Come for the house, stay for the community

07-09-2020

ANGELA Flowers says, with a laugh, that when you buy in Clunes you don't just get a house, you get a community.

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Village or suburb? The great real estate debate

07-09-2020

THE much-anticipated after-COVID boom in country living is being seen as both an economic boon and a potential spoiling of the rural joys of places such as Daylesford.

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The tail of three dogs

31-08-2020

WE VERY nearly lost our Scout last week. Scout is a smooth-haired Jack Russell terrier. She came into our lives in 2003 - she was a puppy when we bought her in a pet shop in Woodend.

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Real estate records smashed by keen buyers

31-08-2020

MELBOURNE’S top end is moving to Central Victoria, according to Kim McQueen of McQueen Broadhurst real estate.

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Round two: People v. council over load of rubbish

31-08-2020

FEAR of being sued is a central reason behind the Hepburn Shire Council introducing a 500-metre zone around its old tip in Ajax Road.

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Australia’s Best Pie at Kyneton!

31-08-2020

KYNETON'S Country Cob Bakery has done a hat trick, taking out the Baking Association of Australia's Best Pie for the third year in a row.

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To the Woodend community, with love…

31-08-2020

HELLO. My name is Aubrey, and I would like to tell you a story. It is an awesome story about kindness. I am learning to read, but can’t write yet, so I have asked my Mama to share this story with you.

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Hiroshi enjoying soccer again and winning

24-08-2020

HIROSHI Masuda started playing soccer in grade 2 at primary school – and as was the way with the country at the time, pretty much trained at least five days a week after school.

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Trentham community hub pushes ahead

24-08-2020

AN 1890s painted wall-hanging capturing a sardonic depiction of the Australian coat of arms will be incorporated into Trentham’s new community hub in the town’s revamped Mechanics Institute building.

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New grassroots movement launched

24-08-2020

A NON-political grassroots movement, Community Voice, has been launched in Hepburn Shire and already has 643 members on Facebook.

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Melbourne buyers on their way

24-08-2020

MELBOURNE residents, tired of lockdown and now realising they can work from home, are beating a path to the Central Highlands, real estate agents have told The Local.

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Loss of land use rights concerns residents

24-08-2020

A GROUP of residents are concerned that a Hepburn Shire planning scheme amendment will remove their rights in terms of land use and development.

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The Local supports Marriage Equality

17-08-2017

LOU McLachlan and Deb Clarke have known each other for nine years and two years ago got engaged in Paris – with matching rings from Tiffany’s. As you do! Two years later the pair, who live in Mollongghip, are still waiting to get married.

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The Aboriginal flag is now flying at the Daylesford Town Hall

06-07-2022

The flag was raised on Sunday, July 5 at 10.30am in in recognition of the traditional owners of Hepburn Shire, the Dja Dja Wurrung people and in recognition of indigenous culture, land and the living heritage that is unique to the region.

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